President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, pledged to implement regulatory reforms that align with global best practices to attract more investors into Nigeria.
The President made this pledge on Thursday during a meeting with the Chairman of Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal, at the State House, Abuja. The meeting was part of ongoing engagements to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and India following discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Tinubu highlighted the critical role of the telecommunications sector in driving economic growth and assured that his government would continue to protect critical infrastructure while promoting innovation.
“The entire ecosystem will be further examined, and if there is anything we can copy from India, we are ready to do so. We are not ashamed of copying what is working in other climes. I am pro-business, and I will continue to be that. I can give you that assurance,” the President said.
He further assured the Airtel delegation that ongoing tax reforms would create a more favourable climate for investors, adding that the government would collaborate with tax administrators to encourage business growth and opportunities.
The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who was present at the meeting, commended the President’s consistent support for the telecoms sector. He disclosed that the President’s recent approval of fibre optic and undersea cables as critical national assets would boost the industry, adding that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) had begun implementing and enforcing the law.
In his remarks, Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal lauded President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira. He compared the reforms to India’s transformative economic policies of the 1990s, which propelled the country to become one of the world’s largest economies.
“You have taken a long-term position. Your first term as President will mark a watershed in the development of your country. This will be a turning point, and I would like to commend you for having held a firm position and taken the country forward,” Mittal said.
He further expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon witness increased investments, particularly from Nigerians with significant financial portfolios abroad, as confidence in the economy continues to grow.
The meeting reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investors, with the government determined to position the country as a leading destination for business in Africa.
