Investors Astonished At Abuja Investment Summit in London

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) took a bold step onto the global investment stage as top government officials, business leaders, and diaspora investors gathered in London for the inaugural Abuja Investment Summit.

Representing the FCT Minister, Barrister. Nyesom Wike, the GMD/CEO of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, extended a strong call to action: “Abuja is open for business, and now is the time to engage.”

With the theme “Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Gateway—Nigeria,” the summit spotlighted Abuja as more than just the seat of government—it’s an emerging economic powerhouse.

Ambassador Tamuno applauded the Minister for his unwavering support and commitment to making Abuja, a world-class city.

“…he has 17 projects set for commissioning under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the newly renovated world class Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (AICC), a great sight to behold. The event surprised many attendees, as Several guests expressed amazement at AICL’s bold and well-structured investment agenda,” Tamuno said.

Julian Swan of Future Solar Tech remarked, “How do we get involved in the Abuja Tech Village Free Zone?” Hope we could be drawn by incentives such as tax waivers and duty-free import schemes?

Another guest, who stumbled upon the event by chance at the Ballroom Suite of The Clermont Hotel in Charing Cross, London admitted it transformed his view of investing back home. He commended the well organised event.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Abiodun Akanbi, Chief Investment Officer of AICL, reaffirmed the city’s readiness for investment across technology, real estate, entertainment, agribusiness, tourism, and infrastructure.

“Abuja is where capital meets purpose,” he declared.

David Smith, Chairman of the British African Business Alliance Ltd who has been working on African Investment for the past 17 years expressed enthusiasm.

”I am looking forward to meet many of the delegates here, we have about 15 projects that all together value about $312 billion investment we will inject into Abuja,” he said.

In their separate goodwill messages, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), who was highly enthusiastic, noted she only recently learned about Abuja Investments.

She further urged Nigerians abroad to take pride in investing back home, highlighting their critical role in national development.

While Ambassador Mohamed Maidugu, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, represented by Ambassador Mercy Haruna Adeoye, highlighted Nigeria’s vast economic potential and welcomed global investors to explore opportunities across key sectors.

She emphasised the country’s readiness for partnerships that drive sustainable growth and innovation.

Ciaran McSharry, CEO of a digital bank called Jamboo App shared his excitement about Abuja’s potential.

He highlighted his excitement by the opportunities of investments in Africa particularly in Nigeria.

A series of panel discussions followed, focusing on critical topics including infrastructure development,public-private partnerships (PPPs), and the entertainment and creative sector economy as effective means for enhancing infrastructure and harnessing the full potential of these sectors through investment.

As Takwana Tyanini, co-founder of Jamboo App put it, this is the first time he has seen an event like this in the UK.

“The best time to to come to Nigeria and invest is now, because the President Tinubu travelled down to UK and noted they are ready to remove all the road blocks for you to make money” said Peter Alettor, Executive Vice Chairman of Apel.

Many investors were wooed by the summit and confidently declared their interest in partnering with AICL

They had only recently heard of AICL. The company’s investment-ready structure, clear governance, and strategic direction left a lasting impression, prompting several participants to request immediate follow-up discussions.

In all participants lauded the FCT Minister and the current administration for this kind of insight on what is happening in Nigeria- Abuja today.

Among other attendees are Yemisi Suswan (MD, All Purpose Shelter), Toyin Sanni (GMD, Emerging Africa), Mofe Duncan (Nigerian actor), Bruce Oshak (UK-Nigerian actor/artist), Abdulrahman Aliyu (CEO Zavati), Tayo Bilewu, Ambassador Alistair Soyode (CEO, Ben TV), and Prof. Imafidon (Chair, Excellence in Education Programme), among others.