Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria’s doors are open to investments and collaboration across diverse sectors, as the government remains determined to transform the nation’s economy for the better.

He said the results of the bold reforms undertaken by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration since its assumption of office in 2023 are a testament to the renewed determination of Nigeria’s leadership.

The Vice President stated this on Monday when he received a delegation from VISA led by the Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), Mr Tareq Muhmood, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Vice President Shettima said that, although painful, the ongoing reforms by the Tinubu administration were necessary and have begun to yield positive results in the economy.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to change the face of our nation. Today, there is a great room for expansion in the Nigerian economy. 8 out of the 10 unicorns in Africa are from Nigeria.

“The economy has picked up pace, we have crossed the Rubicon, and we are on a path of sustainable growth. The tax reforms are gaining traction, we are restoring discipline to the system, and our foreign reserve is growing steadily,” the Vice President noted.

Senator Shettima commended VISA’s growing interest in the Nigerian economy, particularly its partnership with indigenous Fintech companies and urged the company to leverage Nigeria’s huge unbanked population in its expansion drive across Africa.

He said digital payment systems are the future of electronic commercial transactions across Africa, highlighting their potential to entrench transparency and combat corruption.

Earlier in his remarks, the VISA Regional President, Mr Muhmood, praised President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, linking them to the recent growth experienced across diverse sectors of the economy.

He attributed the company’s renewed interest in the Nigerian economy to achievements recorded as a result of the Tinubu administration’s courageous reforms, particularly in the oil and gas sector, foreign exchange regime and tax administration, among others.

Mr Muhmood announced the company’s intentions to increase its stake in the Nigerian economy and participate actively in programmes that directly impact lives and livelihoods across different sectors.

Also present at the meeting were the Senior Vice President and Head of Western and Central Africa, Aminata Kane; Vice President and Head of West Africa, Andrew Uaboi; and Senior Director and Head of Government Affairs, Chidozie Arinze.