Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on both local and international investors to take advantage of the vast economic opportunities within the nation’s capital to drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and foster inclusive development. He appealed yesterday at the opening of the second Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIEXPO 2025) in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its investment arm, the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL).

Represented by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the former Rivers State governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming Abuja into not only Nigeria’s political capital, but also a model for sustainable economic growth in Africa.

“As Abuja symbolises Nigeria’s aspirations, our mission —supported by President Bola Tinubu — is to make it a safe, investment-friendly entity that empowers all citizens,” Wike said.

He noted that the theme of the summit, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potentials in Emerging Markets,” aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises inclusive development, infrastructure expansion, and job creation.

According to the minister, the FCTA is prioritising infrastructure projects linking satellite towns, area councils, and rural communities to the city centre, describing such initiatives as crucial to industrialisation and economic diversification.

Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, urged African investors to channel more resources into local investments, stressing that Africa’s economic destiny must be determined by Africans themselves.

IN another development, preparations are in top gear for the nation’s first-ever international airshow, scheduled to be held in Abuja from December 2 to 4, 2025, to mark Nigeria’s 100 years of aviation.

The landmark event, being organised by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, would celebrate a century of flight operations in the country while positioning the country as a key player in the global aviation industry.

Leading preparations for the centenary celebration, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to Wike to seek collaboration and logistical support for the show.

Keyamo said the Abuja International Airshow would be a landmark global event, featuring major players from across the aviation world, and showcasing Nigeria’s progress over the last century.

He explained that, just like the United Kingdom, France and the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria would now host a yearly airshow to attract investors, promote tourism, and open new windows for trade and foreign investments.

He sought the FCTA’s support in key areas such as transportation, security, sanitation, publicity and tourism promotion, stressing that Abuja, as the host city, would welcome high-profile guests and corporate delegations from around the world.