…As FCTA Hosts 2nd Abuja Business and Investment Expo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, have called on African investors to channel their wealth into local economies to drive sustainable growth and eradicate poverty across the continent.
They made the call on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIEXPO 2025), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The event was organized by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its investment arm, the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL).
Represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Wike said the Tinubu administration is committed to transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-driven city that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“As Abuja symbolizes Nigeria’s aspirations, our mission, supported by Mr. President, is to make it a safe, investment-friendly city that empowers all citizens,” he stated.
The Minister noted that the summit’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potentials in Emerging Markets,” aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive development, infrastructure expansion, and job creation.
Wike revealed that the FCTA is investing massively in road networks to link satellite towns, area councils, and rural communities to the city centre an effort designed to spur industrialization and unlock new economic corridors.
“The FCT Administration remains steadfast in building a sustainable, flourishing capital city and enhancing Nigeria’s position on the continental and global stage,” Wike said, commending AICL for creating a strategic platform to foster innovation, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Tony Elumelu charged African investors to redirect their investments toward the continent, stressing that true transformation must come from within.
“Make your money, but please bring it home and invest locally,” Elumelu urged. “It will be a disservice to make so much and then keep the money in economies that are already developed.”
He declared that Africa’s economic future “will not be written in boardrooms in Washington or London, but right here in Africa in Nigeria, in Abuja and it will be written by Africans.”
Elumelu underscored the shared responsibility of both government and private sectors in ending poverty, warning that “poverty anywhere is a threat to all of us everywhere.”
He highlighted the success of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), which has empowered 24,000 young African entrepreneurs with $5,000 seed capital, training, and mentorship including 641 beneficiaries from the FCT.
“Our young people are the future of this continent,” he said. “Success is not just profitability; it’s about using prosperity as a tool for social transformation.”
The Group Managing Director/CEO of AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, said ABIEXPO 2025 aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to strengthen investor confidence, stabilize the economy, and drive sustainable development.
She revealed that this year’s edition attracted delegates from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Botswana, alongside top Nigerian investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
“ABIEXPO 2025 marks the next chapter of Abuja’s transformation into a resilient, globally competitive city,” Tamuno stated.
She added that the Expo introduced dedicated Youth and Women Days to foster inclusion and connect innovators with investors in emerging markets.
The 2nd Abuja Business and Investment Expo brought together leaders from both the public and private sectors to explore strategies for accelerating economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development in line with Nigeria’s long-term growth vision.
With the FCTA’s renewed commitment and the private sector’s growing participation, stakeholders agreed that Abuja is on track to becoming a beacon of innovation, investment, and inclusive prosperity not only for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole.
