Tinubu Assures Investors: Nigeria Is Open for Business, Working to Improve Business Environment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured local and international investors that Nigeria remains open for business, saying his administration is working to make the country’s business environment more predictable, competitive and supportive of investment.

The President made the statement on Monday in Abuja during the 75th anniversary celebration of Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), where he was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Tinubu said the Federal Government recognises the challenges facing businesses and is addressing them through economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Our message to investors, both Nigerian and international, is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and we are working to make the business environment more predictable, more competitive and more supportive of investment,” he said.

According to the President, reliable electricity and infrastructure, consistent regulations, efficient ports and logistics, access to foreign exchange and a tax system that encourages productive enterprise are essential to attracting and retaining investment. He said these factors influence whether companies expand their factories, establish new production lines and create more jobs.

Tinubu defended the administration’s economic reforms, saying the changes are aimed at building a more productive Nigerian economy, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening domestic manufacturing. “We want to produce more, manufacture more, add more value locally and create more opportunities for Nigerians,” the President said.

The President also welcomed the Coca-Cola System’s proposed $1 billion investment in Nigeria over five years, describing the commitment as a vote of confidence in the Nigerian economy. The announcement follows about $1.5 billion invested by the system in Nigeria over the preceding decade.

Tinubu said the government was interested not only in how much capital enters Nigeria, but also in what investments accomplish through job creation, skills development, local sourcing, technology transfer and increased domestic production.

He urged businesses and policymakers to strengthen local content by developing Nigerian companies into reliable suppliers, training young Nigerians to operate modern industrial equipment and gradually replacing imported products with goods manufactured competitively in Nigeria.

The President also stressed that government could not drive economic transformation alone. “Businesses invest. Businesses innovate. Businesses take risks. Businesses create jobs. Our responsibility in government is to create an environment in which those things can happen,” he said.

He further highlighted human capital development, saying Nigeria’s large young population could become a major economic advantage if equipped with the education, technical skills and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the economy.

Tinubu acknowledged that the reform process had required sacrifices from Nigerians and businesses but maintained that longstanding structural problems could not be ignored.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s willingness to welcome investors prepared to make long-term commitments, particularly those willing to manufacture locally, develop Nigerian talent, strengthen local supply chains and contribute to their host communities.

The President’s remarks come as the government continues to position investment, domestic production and private-sector participation as key components of its broader economic reform agenda.