Tinubu declares Nigeria ready for massive investment, urges local and foreign investors to seize opportunities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria is now prepared for large-scale investment, urging both local and foreign investors to capitalise on the country’s emerging economic opportunities.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Bauchi Investment Summit 2025 on Wednesday, Tinubu said the economic reforms of his administration have stabilised the economy and rebuilt investor confidence.

“Nigeria has exited a space of economic instability, and I assure investors present here that there is no better time to choose Nigeria than now,” he said.

The President praised Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for organising the summit, describing it as “a march into the future,” and highlighted Bauchi’s potential in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, and renewable energy as key sectors aligned with the federal government’s diversification agenda.

“Bauchi can drive climate-smart agriculture, commercial agro-skills, and agro-processing linked to national and export markets,” Tinubu said, adding that the state’s mineral resources offer opportunities for responsible mining and industrial growth.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Tinubu noted the reduction of Nigeria’s debt-service-to-revenue ratio from 100% to below 50%, a 400% rise in non-oil revenue, a GDP growth rate of 4.23% as of September 2025, and an increase in external reserves to $43 billion. He also cited an improved tax-to-GDP ratio from 7% to 13.5%, attributing the gains to “bold reforms” focused on productivity.

He emphasised the link between peace and development, stating: “We cannot guarantee growth and stability without peace and development. There can be no peace without development, and no development without peace.”

The President also acknowledged business mogul Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi for pledging a $250 million investment in Bauchi State, urging other investors to partner with the federal and state governments to realise viable projects.

“This is not the time for mere talk. Let us move from paper to performance so that by next year, we can point to tangible project milestones,” Tinubu said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, present at the event, highlighted the importance of attracting both local and international investments for sustainable growth. He commissioned the new Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, describing it as a world-class facility capable of boosting tourism and investment.

“What others have and pride themselves on is not more than what we have,” Obasanjo said. “This world-class centre can become one of Nigeria’s leading tourist attractions.”

Governor Bala Mohammed assured investors of their safety and the protection of their investments, revealing plans to improve water management and expand solar-powered projects across the state to support industrial growth.

Ruben Okoya, CEO of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, the firm behind the conference centre, described the facility as a “masterpiece” spanning 10,000 square metres, hosting 3,000 people, with five main halls, outdoor space for 2,500 guests, a mosque, solar installations, standby generators, and full internet connectivity. He highlighted that every square metre of granite used was sourced locally, demonstrating Bauchi’s capacity for high-quality projects.

The Bauchi Investment Summit, themed “Revealing a Resilient Economy: Optimizing Investment Partnerships,” attracted prominent figures including the Sultan of Sokoto, Babagana Zulum, Obasanjo, government officials, development partners, and business leaders.