Aisha Rimi, CEO of NIPC, emphasizes the need for Nigeria to diversify its economy through industrialization and encourage investments. Edo State officials support these efforts, citing agricultural initiatives and natural resources as key opportunities for growth.
In a recent forum held in Benin, Aisha Rimi, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), emphasized Nigeria’s urgent need for economic diversification through industrialization. Rimi outlined how boosting both domestic and foreign investments is crucial to reviving the nation’s economy. She highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment, noting the administration’s proactive approach to enhancing the business environment to attract more investments.
Rimi remarked, “It is clear that Nigeria urgently needs to diversify its economy by promoting industrialisation. The big question is, how do we do all of this? The answer is Investment – not just foreign but also domestic. This administration has shown a commitment to transforming and reviving the economy.” She stressed the importance of tackling the high unemployment rate among the youth through industrial growth, improving agricultural output, upgrading infrastructure, and responsibly utilizing the country’s natural resources.
Adding to Rimi’s points, Amen Odigie, Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office, highlighted the state’s focus on agricultural initiatives. He mentioned efforts to support smallholder farmers with improved access to finance and better seedlings, pushing for large-scale farming as well.
Odigie also pointed out, “Beyond agriculture, our nation is blessed with an array of natural resources. We have significant deposits of solid minerals such as limestone, gold, iron ore, coal, and various ores, many of which are under-explored.” He stressed that sustainably developing these resources could present vast opportunities for investment and could play a significant role in the country’s industrial growth.
Representing Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor echoed the importance of collaborative economic growth. He stated,
“This aligns with the NIPC’s vision to strengthen the capacity of State Investment Promotion Agencies and foster partnerships to attract and retain domestic and foreign direct investment for the diversification of the Nigerian economy.”
Ikhilor concluded that the Edo State administration is dedicated towards establishing a solid foundation for investment-driven growth, calling attention to business-friendly reforms being implemented.
The NIPC, under Aisha Rimi’s leadership, is advocating for Nigeria’s urgent industrialization needs to diversify its economy and boost investments. Key figures, including those from Edo State, are aligned in promoting agricultural initiatives and exploration of natural resources. The overall consensus is that without strategic partnerships and significant investment, sustainable economic growth remains out of reach.
Original Source: punchng.com
