‘There’s no better time to invest in Nigeria’ — Shettima tells Islamic Development Bank
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is ripe for investment, pointing to sweeping economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a catalyst for a more investor-friendly climate.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) at the Presidential Villa, Shettima said key disincentives that previously discouraged investors have been addressed.
“This is a great time to invest in Nigeria,” he stated. “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has created an enabling environment and continues to tackle the grey areas that previously served as disincentives.”
He emphasized strategic reforms in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, nutrition, and digital trade, noting that the Renewed Hope agenda is anchored on human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
The Vice President also praised the IsDB for its continued support and called for deeper collaboration, particularly in funding programmes like the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ), the i-DICE initiative, and the expansion of Nigeria’s Halal economy.
He urged the inclusion of more Nigerian priorities in the bank’s Country Engagement Framework (CEF), including digital trade, financial inclusion, and gender-sensitive policies.
In response, Mr. Hammad Hundal, Head of IsDB’s Regional Hub in Abuja, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria. He noted that the CEF would be updated to reflect President Tinubu’s key development priorities.
Dr. Obioma Asuzu, the bank’s Country Economist, presented the updated CEF, which outlines strategic goals such as economic recovery, poverty reduction, resilience building, and green growth—all aligned with Nigeria’s national development objectives.
