Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said Nigeria deserves a more balanced and positive global narrative to strengthen investors’ confidence and attract increased foreign direct investment and socioeconomic development of the country.

Kalu advocated this yesterday during an interactive session with ambassadors of European Union (EU) member states in Nigeria, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

The meeting, which featured a question-and-answer session, focused on Nigeria’s tourism potential, investment climate, international image and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union.

Addressing the diplomats, the Deputy Speaker argued that perceptions of Nigeria abroad often failed to reflect the country’s realities, creating unnecessary fears among prospective investors.

He said while no country is without challenges, Nigeria’s strengths and opportunities are frequently overshadowed by negative reports that do not present the complete picture.

He stressed that the challenge lay not only in how Nigeria projects itself but also in the limited efforts by foreign media and stakeholders to engage directly with realities in the country.

Beyond improving Nigeria’s image, Kalu advocated the adoption of a near-shoring model of economic cooperation, urging European countries to bring technology and investment closer to Nigeria’s abundant natural resources to promote local value addition.

According to him, rather than exporting raw materials, Nigeria should partner with European firms to process its agricultural produce and mineral resources within the country, thereby creating jobs and expanding industrial capacity.