Abuja investment summit in London leaves investors impressed

Abuja investment summit London attracts global investors as officials unveil business-ready projects and call diaspora to seize new opportunities

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]buja investment summit London marked a turning point for Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory as top officials and business leaders unveiled the city’s vast investment potential.

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Held in the heart of the UK capital, the inaugural event drew attention from global investors, the Nigerian diaspora, and major stakeholders seeking new growth frontiers.

Representing FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, who leads Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), declared Abuja ready for serious investment.

“Abuja is open for business, and now is the time to engage,” she announced to a packed ballroom at the Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross.

Her remarks set the tone for a summit that left many guests astonished by the scale and structure of the AICL investment agenda.

With the theme Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Gateway Nigeria, the summit positioned Abuja not only as the nation’s administrative centre but as a rising economic hub. Ambassador Tamuno praised Minister Wike’s commitment to transforming the city into a global destination.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, seventeen infrastructure projects are set for commissioning, including the newly revamped Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, described by guests as a world-class facility.

Julian Swan of Future Solar Tech summed up the curiosity the event generated when he asked, “How do we get involved in the Abuja Tech Village Free Zone?” Many were drawn by promises of tax incentives, duty-free imports, and transparent governance.

One London-based investor who stumbled into the event admitted it changed his entire outlook on investing in Nigeria.

He praised the summit for its clarity, professionalism, and warm reception, noting he would begin active discussions with AICL immediately.

In his opening speech, Dr Abiodun Akanbi, AICL’s Chief Investment Officer, reiterated that Abuja offers prospects in key sectors including real estate, agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure, and the creative economy. “Abuja is where capital meets purpose,” he declared confidently.

The summit attracted heavyweight backers. David Smith, Chairman of the British African Business Alliance, shared plans to inject around three and a half billion dollars into Abuja through a portfolio of fifteen projects.

“I look forward to meeting delegates here and kicking off what we believe is a long-term partnership,” he said.

Goodwill messages from other dignitaries reinforced the enthusiasm. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa of NiDCOM encouraged Nigerians abroad to invest back home, calling diaspora capital essential to national growth.

Ambassador Mercy Haruna Adeoye, speaking for Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, underlined the country’s readiness for partnerships built on innovation and sustainability.

Tech leaders also joined the call. Ciaran McSharry and Takwana Tyanini, co-founders of the Jamboo App digital bank, expressed excitement about investment opportunities in Nigeria. “This is the first time I’ve seen an event like this in the UK,” Tyanini noted.

Panel discussions explored themes such as infrastructure finance, public-private partnerships, and strategies for harnessing the creative sector.

Peter Alettor of Apel declared the time ripe to invest in Nigeria. “President Tinubu is removing all the roadblocks. Now is the best time to come and make money,” he said.

Investors left the summit eager to partner with AICL, many of them learning of the company for the first time.

The firm’s structured approach, transparent operations, and investor-ready posture made a strong impression, with numerous guests seeking follow-up engagements.

Participants hailed the FCT Minister and the current administration for delivering a compelling, well-timed message to the global business community.

With Abuja firmly placed on the investment map, the summit has set a new benchmark for economic diplomacy.

Prominent attendees included Yemisi Suswan of All Purpose Shelter, Toyin Sanni of Emerging Africa, actor Mofe Duncan, artist Bruce Oshak, and Ben TV CEO Ambassador Alistair Soyode.

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Also present were Abdulrahman Aliyu of Zavati, Tayo Bilewu, and Prof. Chris Imafidon of the Excellence in Education Programme.