MINNA — Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, has said negative publicity on the security challenges in Nigeria has continued to hinder genuine businessmen’s effort to invest in the country.
Bello who is also the Chairman North Central States Governors Forum (NCSGF), is attending a bilateral, economic, trade and investment forum in Istanbul, Turkey, disclosed that the Nigerian government has recorded significant progress in addressing the problems of insecurity, stressing that, though it will take some time to end, it should not deter investors from coming to Nigeria.
“The negative publicity with regards to security challenges has affected many states in the country towards attracting foreign direct or even indirect investment, those challenges are being successfully tackled at the moment by the Federal and State governments.”
“I know a few Turkish companies that are in Nigeria at the moment. They are doing their business and doing really well. So, I think there’s the need to build investors confidence with regards to the security challenges in Nigeria.”
“There’s the urgent need to change the narrative and to mount aggressive image laundering campaigns to change the negative perception and impression of foreign investors towards our country. Every country of the world has its own peculiar challenges, but they are surmountable.”
“I am glad we are able to attend the bilateral economic, trade and investment forum. We’ve met with lots of companies, including security companies as well. In my opinion, the event was timely and the organizers did a wonderful job.”
“More Turkish companies and or their CEOs should be invited next time so that they are able to explain to the people in Turkey that Nigeria is not as bad as it is being portrayed,” he said.
