President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday spoke of a plan by the Federal Government to widen the scope of Nigeria’s privatisation policy.
The President listed aviation, telecommunication, energy, gas, solid mineral, health and infrastructural development, as areas requiring private investment.
Buhari dropped the hint yesterday in Washington DC at a business forum organised by the US Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa.
Assuring that there is no going back on the ongoing privatisation programme, Buhari said the government would embark on the privatisation of the listed sectors with improved moral architecture, even as he challenged American investors to take advantage of the liberal trade and investment climate to do profitable businesses in Nigeria.
He said: “It is my intention to create the necessary environment for future investment in Nigeria. We are the most populous nation with largest market in Africa with vast human and natural resources and blessed with abandoned young skilled workforce
“We are therefore proud candidate to become the destination of choice for United States investments in Africa.
“I will work assiduously to welcome new investors’ to our country. I will like to remind you all that we are continuing in major privatisation programme with sectors ranging from telecommunication energy, gas, solid minerals, aviation, health and infrastructural development but with improved moral architecture.
“We will also simplify visa procedures based on principle of reciprocity. May I therefore, seize this opportunity to formally invite the American business community to take advantage of our liberal trade and investment climate to do profitable business in Nigeria.
“While I recognise the pivotal role of government in facilitating and promoting economic growth, the private sector must assume an increasing role as part of the engine of growth. We’ll welcome genuine investors who are willing to come to Nigeria for solid mineral exploitation.”
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