The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on both local and international investors to capitalise on the vast economic opportunities within the nation’s capital, driving sustainable growth, creating jobs, and fostering inclusive development.

Wike made the appeal yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIEXPO 2025), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, 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, Wike 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 city 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.

Commending AICL for organising what he described as a “strategic and forward-looking platform,” Wike said the Expo has created an avenue for investors, innovators, and development partners to explore opportunities for shared prosperity.

“The FCT Administration remains steadfast in building a sustainable and flourishing capital city while enhancing Nigeria’s position on the continental and global stage,” he added.

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

“Make your money, but please bring it home and invest locally,” Elumelu said. “It will be a disservice to make so much and then keep the money in economies that are already developed.”

He argued that Africa’s transformation “will not be written in boardrooms in Washington or London, but right here in Africa — in Nigeria, in Abuja — and it will be written by Africans.”

Elumelu further emphasised the importance of government–private sector collaboration in combating poverty, warning that “poverty anywhere is a threat to all of us everywhere.”

He disclosed that the Tony Elumelu Foundation has supported 24,000 young Africans with training and a non-refundable $5,000 seed capital each, including 641 beneficiaries from the FCT.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, stated that the Expo aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to boost investor confidence, stabilise the economy, and promote sustainable development.

Tamuno revealed that this year’s edition attracted participants from across Nigeria and beyond, including delegates from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Botswana.

“ABIEXPO 2025 marks the next chapter of Abuja’s transformation into a resilient and globally competitive city,” she said.
She added that the event also features a Youth Day and Women’s Day to promote inclusion and provide opportunities for innovators to connect with potential investors.