Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has said that Nigeria’s future must be secured through sustainable investments, as it plays a critical role in shaping the nation’s future.
Soludo disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the first Abuja Business and Investment Summit, which was themed “Optimising Investment Through Partnership.” He stressed the need to secure Nigeria’s future through sustainable investments, asserting that the country has the potential to participate and lead in the 21st-century global economy.
The governor noted the importance of understanding the global context in which investment decisions are made. “Investments don’t happen in a vacuum. They happen within a context,” he said, urging participants to consider global megatrends and their impact on Nigeria’s investment landscape.
He pointed to demographic shifts and urbanisation as crucial factors shaping global investments. Specifically, Soludo highlighted ageing populations in Europe and North America as an opportunity for Nigeria, which boasts Africa’s most significant and youngest population.
“This offers an opportunity for Nigeria to supply labour and innovation to ageing economies,” he said, adding that if Nigeria can harness its demographic advantage, it could meet global labour demands. “While some European countries may be closing their borders, we are coming,” he said.
The governor’s address also outlined strategies for Nigeria to leverage sustainable investments, focusing on partnerships and human capital development to align with global shifts. Soludo urged swift action, stating, “If we get our acts together, Nigeria will not just participate in the 21st century, but lead it.”
Also, the managing director/CEO of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Maureen P. Tamuno, expressed confidence in the carefully selected panellists, noting that their insightful and thought-provoking ideas would break new ground for economic prosperity.
“This summit is aimed at promoting investment opportunities in the FCT and creating a platform for networking among investors.
I am confident that our panellists will provide ideas to stimulate economic prosperity for our company and participating investors,” she added.
Tamuno further emphasised the summit’s aim to inspire participants to think beyond conventional boundaries in business and investment.
“I believe discussions at this event will inspire us to think bigger, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in business and investment,” she said.
