Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that Nigeria is now optimally positioned for investment, crediting the sweeping reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration for creating a more favorable and stable business environment.
Speaking on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), led by Hammad Hundal, Head of the Bank’s Regional Hub, Shettima emphasized the administration’s commitment to eliminating longstanding barriers that have discouraged investors in the past.
“This is truly a great time to invest in Nigeria,” Shettima stated. “We are addressing grey areas that previously served as disincentives. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is creating a stable, business-friendly environment.”
The Vice President highlighted ongoing reforms in key sectors such as human capital development, agriculture, healthcare, education, and digital trade. These areas, he said, are critical to the country’s economic recovery and long-term sustainable growth.
Calling for enhanced collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, Shettima urged the institution to expand support for strategic national initiatives such as the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ), the i-DICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises) program, and the development of Nigeria’s Halal economy.
“I encourage the inclusion of digital trade, Halal economy development, and financial inclusion in your Country Engagement Framework (CEF),” he told the IsDB delegation. “Let’s build on our shared progress.”
During the meeting, Obioma Asuzu, the bank’s Country Economist, presented the newly developed Country Engagement Framework, which outlines the bank’s strategic focus in Nigeria. The framework emphasizes economic recovery, poverty alleviation, resilience, and sustainable green growth—all aligned with the nation’s development priorities.
In his remarks, Hundal reaffirmed IsDB’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria. He highlighted key areas of continued support, including energy security, private sector development, and infrastructure enhancement.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge of collaboration between Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank, underscoring a shared vision for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth.
