Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is currently well-positioned for investment, thanks to significant reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration that have resolved many of the challenges previously discouraging investors.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima said, “This is an exciting time to invest in Nigeria. President Tinubu’s administration has tackled most of the longstanding issues that deterred investment. We are creating an enabling environment and continuing to do so through comprehensive reforms.”
The IsDB delegation was led by Mr. Hammad Hundal, Head of the bank’s Regional Hub.
Shettima highlighted the government’s strategic focus on human capital development, agriculture, nutrition, education, health, and digital trade, saying these interventions reflect a strong commitment to economic transformation.
“We are determined to confront the challenges in areas such as infrastructure, financial inclusion, and human development. These are not optional—they must be addressed, and we are taking deliberate actions in the right direction,” he said.
The Vice President praised the longstanding collaboration between Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank, rooted in shared goals aligned with Nigeria’s national interests.
He encouraged the bank to sustain its support for impactful initiatives such as the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme and the i-DICE (Innovation, Digital Economy and Creative Enterprises) project. He also called for the inclusion of emerging priorities like the development of a Halal economy, digital trade promotion, and financial inclusion in the bank’s Country Engagement Framework (CEF).
“Let’s exchange ideas and collaboratively shape a robust Country Engagement Framework. I encourage deeper cooperation to help us address key developmental challenges,” Shettima urged.
He further noted that the bank’s programmes complement President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic revival and inclusive growth.
He called for enhanced support in sectors such as agriculture, gender inclusion, education, health infrastructure, and nutrition.
In response, Mr. Hundal reaffirmed the Islamic Development Bank’s commitment to expanding its support in Nigeria. He said the bank is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its Country Engagement Framework to align more closely with the administration’s priorities.
He outlined key focus areas, including economic infrastructure, private sector support, energy security, and the i-DICE initiative.
The meeting culminated in the formal presentation of the IsDB’s Country Engagement Framework by Dr. Obioma Asuzu, the bank’s Country Economist. The framework outlines strategic objectives such as boosting economic recovery, reducing poverty, enhancing resilience, and driving sustainable green growth.
Asuzu emphasized that the CEF is guided by Nigeria’s national development priorities, strong stakeholder partnerships, and effective resource mobilisation.