Tinubu’s reforms creating major investment openings, says VP Shettima

By Kunle Sanni –

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday said the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are unlocking significant new opportunities for foreign investment across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking while receiving a delegation from the Abu Dhabi–Beijing-based Advanced Energy Partners (AEP) consortium at the Presidential Villa, Shettima said the administration’s ongoing policy measures are designed to stabilise the economy, enhance transparency, and attract credible foreign partners.

“There is no better time to invest in Nigeria. You have come at the right time when we have been blessed with committed leadership,” the vice president said, assuring the delegation of the government’s readiness to support viable investments. “Nigeria is ready for business. We have crossed the Rubicon and are now on the path of sustainable development,” he added.

The AEP delegation, led by former senator Abu Ibrahim, is in Nigeria to explore investment opportunities in the upstream oil sector and other critical areas of the economy.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Qiang Wenyu, vice president of China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), said the mission follows earlier discussions with President Tinubu in Beijing in 2024. He reiterated the company’s commitment to expanding operations in Nigeria, noting that NORINCO—whose activities span energy, oil and gas, defence industries, and mining—recorded a $30 billion turnover last year.

Also, Mahra Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Horizon Energy Abu Dhabi, praised President Tinubu’s leadership, stating that the company’s renewed interest in Nigeria is due to increased confidence in the current administration and its management of key institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

UAE ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Shamsi, encouraged the consortium to fast-track investments, describing Nigeria as “the right place” for foreign capital under the present government. He noted that non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE reached $4.3 billion in 2024.

Other officials present at the meeting included AEP CEO Shakiru Olayinka, Abiye Membere of AEP, Hu Keyu of China Zhenhua Oil Corporation, Xu Yongfeng of Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Corporation, and Liang Hongda of NORINCO’s Africa Department.