AICL calls for collaboration on agriculture, renewable energy

The Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) is seeking collaborative partnerships between agricultural stakeholders, renewable energy experts, and the Nigerian government to harness the vast investment potential that Abuja has to offer.

The meeting follows the success of the inaugural Abuja Business and Investment Summit (ABIS 2024) and serves as a prelude to upcoming landmark events, including the Abuja Business & Investment Summit EXPO (ABISummit 2025), scheduled for October 21-25, 2025, at the newly renovated AICL International Conference Center.

Additionally, an Investors Forum in London will take place on June 19, 2025, in partnership with the Diaspora Commission, to highlight investment opportunities in Abuja to European investors and Nigerians in the diaspora.

Speaking at the roundtable, the Group Managing Director of AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, expressed profound gratitude to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his unwavering support and dedication to transforming Abuja’s economic landscape.

She also expressed appreciation to sponsors, stakeholders, and participants for being instrumental in the success of the initiatives.

She stressed the importance of agriculture and renewable energy as key drivers of sustainable development, job creation, and economic diversification in the FCT.

The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships to enhance food security, promote clean energy, and position Abuja as Africa’s leading investment hub.

Dr. Tamuno underscored the importance of collective effort and cooperation among stakeholders to tap into Abuja’s investment opportunities, particularly in the areas of agriculture and renewable energy.

Umma Abubakar, Coordinator of the FCT Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project, revealed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration has secured a $5 million loan to bolster the project’s initiatives in Abuja.

She said that this funding will play a crucial role in enhancing the project’s impact, particularly in boosting agricultural productivity and promoting agro-industrial development in the region.

Abubakar, who doubles as a Director in the FCTA, said the project will focus on developing the Paiko-Kore/Dobi Livestock Industrial Hub, which will cater to the beef and dairy value chains.

She said this initiative is expected to improve the livelihoods of farmers, resettle cows in the hub, create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The Coordinator said seven states and the FCT are participating in the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project.

Notably, she said Gwagwalada Area Council will serve as a key location for these value chains in the FCT.

The Guardian reports that the SAPZ project aims to establish designated zones where agribusinesses can operate efficiently, benefiting from infrastructure, services, and policy support.

Also speaking, the Chief Investment Officer of AICL, Dr. Abiodun Akanbi, said that the company is committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and development in Abuja, adding that the project aligns with its investment objectives.

He revealed that the first renewable farmers’ market, located in Utako, Abuja, would be commissioned soon.

In their separate contributions, the Coordinator, PPP Agric & Rural Development Secretariat, FCT, Agwu Igwe; MD/CEO, Magnifique Integrated Concept, Idongeset Nkerewen; MD, NG Eagle Airlines, Capt. Amie Gaya; and Country Director, AGCOMS International, Okoli Chijioke, lauded the company for its efforts in promoting agricultural development and food security in Nigeria, particularly through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project.

The event was graced by the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Office of the Vice President, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro; Kemi Sijuwade from Greenland Concept; Capt. Jamil MD Abubakar; Adamu Umar (Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission), and others.