By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday assured investors that his administration is open and serious about business and will maintain consistency in policy, and provide a better business climate to attract investment.
He gave the assurance while receiving the delegation of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), led by the Global Upstream Director, Ms Zoe Yujnovic, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu welcomed the SPDC’s offer for more investments in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, adding that such investments are needed now more than ever, to enable the government to meet its obligations.
The President recalled that attracting fresh investment was “a promise I made personally to Nigerians. Whatever it takes, I will fulfil that promise to Nigerians.”
He reiterated that Nigeria is ready for business, assuring the Shell management and other investors of his administration’s willingness to maintain an open-door policy and address their concerns.
A statement issued by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, quoted Tinubu as saying, “We are open for business. We are serious. I give you the assurance of consistency in policy,” he said.
The President also assured that his government was removing all forms of bottlenecks to ensure Nigeria becomes an attractive investment destination.
Addressing the President earlier, Yujnock applauded what she described as an “incredibly strong start” of the Tinubu presidency and expressed optimism that the “bold” steps taken by the government would renew Nigeria’s pride of place as an investment destination.
Yujnock said SPDC was willing to ramp up investment in the country especially in the areas of gas and deep-water assets by pumping in billions of dollars.
She said Nigeria remains a strategic investment country for the company given the long history between the two entities and the prospects held by the county’s oil and gas sector.
