Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a top destination for investment, attributing this to the bold economic reforms and strategic policy interventions initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), led by the Head of its Regional Hub, Hammad Zafar, Shettima highlighted the improved investment climate created by recent government efforts.
He emphasised that many structural issues and policy uncertainties that previously discouraged investors have now been addressed, thereby fostering a more stable and attractive environment for both local and international stakeholders. The Vice President stated that the foundation laid by the current administration, under the Renewed Hope agenda, is facilitating substantial progress in several sectors of the economy.
“It is an exciting opportunity to invest in Nigeria. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has created the enabling environment and is still doing so by addressing most of the grey areas that hitherto served as a disincentive. So, this is a great time to invest in Nigeria,” he told the delegation.
Shettima further noted that targeted initiatives in human capital development, nutrition, agriculture, health, education and the promotion of digital trade show the administration’s dedication to transforming vital sectors. According to him, the government is determined to resolve longstanding issues in these areas, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development.
“This administration is poised to address the challenges that we have in key areas of human capital development, financial inclusion, infrastructure and nutrition. We have no option but to address most of these issues, and we will continue to act in the right direction,” he said.
Commending the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank, Shettima underlined that the relationship is rooted in national interest. He encouraged the IsDB to maintain its support for strategic programmes such as the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative, the i-DICE project, and efforts to develop Nigeria’s Halal economy.
“Let us cross-pollinate ideas and come up with a design for your Country Engagement Framework (CEF). I want you to record in your Country Engagement Framework, the development of a Halal economy, promotion of digital trade, financial inclusion and other areas. I urge closer collaboration to enable us to address some of these challenges,” he added.
He also praised the alignment of the bank’s initiatives with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and appealed for enhanced support in priority sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, gender inclusion, and human capital development.
In his earlier remarks, Mr Zafar affirmed the IsDB’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with Nigeria through a comprehensive review of its Country Engagement Framework, which will focus on key elements of the Tinubu administration’s policy goals. He listed current areas of involvement including support for economic infrastructure, energy security, private sector development, and the i-DICE programme.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of the bank’s Country Engagement Framework by Dr Obioma Asuzu, the IsDB’s Country Economist. She explained that the CEF is centred on Nigeria’s national development priorities and aims to drive recovery, reduce poverty, foster resilience, and promote green economic growth, with strong partnerships and resource mobilisation at its core.