President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the business community of his government’s commitment to policy consistency and better business climate to attract investment.
The President spoke Monday while receiving the delegation of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) led by the Global Upstream Director, Ms Zoe Yujnovic, at the State House, Abuja.
According to a statement signed by Mr Dele Alake,Special Adviser Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy Presiden 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.”
President Tinubu 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.
“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 in order to ensure Nigeria became an attractive investment destination.
Addressing the President earlier, Ms Yujnock applauded what she described as “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 in view of the long history between the two entities and the prospects held by the county’s oil and gas sector.
The Shell delegation on a courtesy call was led by the company’s Global Upstream Director, Ms Zoe Yunovic. She was joined by Peter Costello, Osagie Okunbo, and Mar De Jong.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari; as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila were also at the meeting.
Others in attendance include the Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Verheijen; Special Adviser on Revenue Matters to the President, Zacchaeus Adedeji; and Special Adviser on Communications, Special Duties and Strategy to the President, Dele Alake.
