Wike Declares Abuja Business And Investment Expo Open, Calls for Investments To Drive FCT Growth

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has declared open the 2026 Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE 3.0), calling on investors, policymakers and development partners to translate discussions into concrete investments that will accelerate economic growth and position Abuja as a leading investment destination in Africa.

Represented by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, at the opening ceremony held on Wednesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, Wike said the annual expo should serve as a catalyst for strategic partnerships, investment commitments and measurable economic outcomes rather than remain a ceremonial gathering.

He commended the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, and the management of the company for sustaining a platform that promotes investment opportunities in the nation’s capital.

According to the minister, AICL, as the investment promotion agency of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), occupies a strategic position in identifying viable investment opportunities, structuring commercially sustainable projects and facilitating partnerships that will contribute to the long-term economic development of the FCT.

Speaking on the theme of the expo, “Building Nigeria’s Capital: Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,” Wike described it as timely and reflective of the country’s development aspirations.

He said building a globally competitive capital city requires sustained investment in infrastructure, institutions, human capital and public services, as well as stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.

“Abuja Business and Investment Expo 3.0 must not be regarded as another ceremonial gathering. It must serve as a platform for meaningful discussions, credible partnerships, investment commitments and measurable economic outcomes,” he said.

The minister said the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory is a direct outcome of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, improved public service delivery and an enabling environment for businesses and investors.

According to him, since assuming office, the FCT Administration has completed several abandoned infrastructure projects, commissioned major road networks, and embarked on the construction of new arterial roads, collector roads, bridges and interchanges to improve connectivity across the capital city.

He added that the administration is also extending development to satellite towns while opening up new districts for residential, commercial and industrial investments.

“The President has provided the political will and the necessary support for the implementation of this mandate. Today, the results are visible across the Federal Capital Territory. We have completed and commissioned road projects that had been abandoned for several years, while new infrastructure is creating fresh opportunities for businesses and investors,” he stated.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director of AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, said Abuja has witnessed remarkable progress over the past three years through significant investments in infrastructure, urban renewal and public services under the leadership of the FCT Administration.

She noted that the improvements have made the city more connected, competitive and increasingly attractive to local and international investors.

Tamuno described the Federal Capital Territory’s emergence as fourth in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Subnational Ease of Doing Business ranking as evidence that reforms aimed at improving the investment climate are yielding positive results.

While expressing satisfaction with the achievement, she stressed that more work remains to be done to unlock the capital city’s full investment potential.

According to her, this year’s edition of the expo was deliberately designed to move beyond policy conversations and attract bankable investments capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

“This year’s edition is about moving from conversations to concrete action,” she said, adding that the expo has evolved beyond an annual event into a meeting point for innovative ideas, strategic collaborations and investment opportunities that promote inclusive economic development.

She explained that participants would engage in investment forums, exhibitions, business-to-business meetings and policy dialogues aimed at strengthening investor confidence and unlocking opportunities in key sectors of the economy, including real estate, infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, solid minerals, sports and the creative economy.

“Our expectation is that when this expo comes to an end, it will have opened new doors, created meaningful partnerships and laid the foundation for investments that will benefit both Abuja and Nigeria for many years to come,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, observed that Abuja has experienced unprecedented infrastructure development since 2023 under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the stewardship of the FCT Minister.

He said the pace of infrastructure delivery has significantly changed the development narrative of the nation’s capital, enhanced investor confidence and strengthened Abuja’s position as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing investment destinations.

The three-day Abuja Business and Investment Expo brings together government officials, business leaders, investors, financial institutions, development partners and entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities and forge partnerships aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and development in the Federal Capital Territory and across Nigeria.