FOREIGN INVESTMENT: THRIVING THROUGH THE NIGERIAN CLIME
Nigeria is the giant of Africa with a population of over 215 million people. The Country is said to have the combined size of France and Italy and is endowed with natural resources. Given, the size and resources in Nigeria, the Country should be an attractive and lucrative location for business establishment and dealings. However, Nigeria was ranked 131st out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2020 Ease of Doing Business Survey.
The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with our Firm, Jackson, Etti & Edu organized a breakfast session themed ‘Foreign Investment Thriving Through The Nigerian Clime’ which was held on Thursday, 28th April 2022. The breakfast session was designed to discuss how foreign investors (in-country or interested in investing) can navigate the Nigerian business and economic market despite the prominent challenges such as unfavourable regulatory policies, unavailability of foreign exchange, poor infrastructure, corruption, insecurity and others.
The organizers of the event brought together representatives from diverse sectors of the economy including representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure a holistic and informed conversation on the subject.
The event commenced with a keynote speech by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and followed by a robust panel discussion amongst seasoned professionals, Sam Ocheho (Global Market Nigeria. GM, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc.), Emeka Offor (Acting Executive Secretary & CEO, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council), Peter Ajakaiye (Manufacturing Director, Cadbury WA) and Ag. ACG Bede Anyanwu (Assistant Comptroller-General, Strategic Research and Policy, Nigerian Customs Service) moderated by Ajibola Olomola (Vice-Chairman, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce) and Yeye Nwidaa (Head, Business Regulatory & Advisory, Jackson, Etti & Edu).
This document provides a summary and highlights the key takeaways and measures to thrive in the Nigerian business climate.