Nigeria`s High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, says Nigeria has huge investment opportunities and level playing ground for genuine investors.
Ibeto made the assertion while presenting his letters of Credence to President Jacob Zuma of South Africa in Pretoria.
The envoy`s speech made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Pretoria, South Africa on Thursday, quoted him as saying that the Federal Government had undertaken major reforms to facilitate investment.
“In order to provide necessary support to foreign and domestic investors, we have undertaken major reforms to facilitate investment through 24-hours turnaround time for cargo clearance at our ports;
“Long-stay multiple visas for genuine investors amongst others incentives, in line with our commitment to improving the Ease of Doing Business Environment,” Ibeto said.
According to him, the government is committed to ensuring consistency, predictability and level playing field for all investors in priority sectors.
Ibeto said the sectors are Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Information and Communications Technology.
“ I wish to, therefore, urge the Captains of Industry here present as well as members of the South African business community to take advantage of the opportunities in the identified sectors, in order to improve commercial engagements and sustainable business partnerships between Nigeria and South Africa,” he said.
The envoy, however, said that while South African businesses abound in Nigeria, same cannot be said of Nigerian investments in South Africa.
“ Therefore, as High Commissioner, one of my key priorities is to make conscious efforts to eliminate barriers that stifle investment and sustainable growth between Nigeria and South Africa as well as work together with other colleagues to improve economic relations between Nigeria and their respective countries,” he said.
Ibeto said that he would vigorously pursue the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative (NEDI) to complement the ongoing efforts of the government to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into Nigeria.
“ I am equally committed to the promotion and the protection of the interest of Nigeria and her nationals, who are resident in the Republic of South Africa through active collaboration and engagement with the relevant host institutions, in line with our policy initiative of “Citizens Diplomacy,” he said.
He said that priority would be given to rendering timely consular assistance and support to Nigerians and the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians.
“ Also, efforts would be made to project the correct narratives about Nigeria and its people at all times,” the envoy said.
He said that government’s priority remained the fight against insurgency to root-out the remnants of terrorism/violent extremism in collaboration with neighbours in the Lake Chad Basin region.
Ibeto also said that Nigeria had excellent bilateral relations with South Africa and regarded her as a strong ally and strategic partner in Africa.
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