By Musa Ibrahim
Efforts to attract and retain foreign investment are increasingly focusing on direct engagement with companies already operating in the economy. At the Presidential Villa in Abuja, senior government officials recently met with foreign investors, diplomats, and regulators in a high-level dialogue aimed at addressing persistent concerns about the business environment.
The meeting was organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as part of its third Existing Foreign Direct Investors Roundtable. The initiative is designed to create a structured channel through which international investors can raise operational concerns directly with policymakers and regulatory authorities.
The session brought together executives from multinational companies, representatives of diplomatic missions, development partners, and key government agencies responsible for economic regulation.
Opening the dialogue, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, assured participants that the administration remains committed to strengthening the foundations of Nigeria’s investment climate. Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the council, he said the government recognises the critical role of foreign direct investment in supporting economic growth.
According to Hadejia, foreign investment contributes significantly to job creation, technology transfer, and the expansion of industrial capacity. For this reason, the government is pursuing reforms designed to make Nigeria a more stable and competitive destination for long term capital.
Director- General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha Audu, said the roundtable reflects a deliberate shift toward deeper engagement with investors who already operate within Nigeria’s economy. She explained that while attracting new capital remains important, maintaining the confidence of existing investors is equally vital.
Existing investors, she noted, play a major role in employment generation, supply chain development, and the inflow of foreign capital. Their continued presence and expansion can therefore provide a strong signal to the global investment community about the country’s economic prospects.
Audu emphasised that the council’s reform agenda focuses on identifying practical obstacles faced by businesses and working with regulators to resolve them.
The meeting featured detailed discussions with senior officials responsible for key regulatory institutions. Among them were Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS); Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and Olutunji Rilwan Disu, Inspector General of Police.
Also participating virtually was Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Honourabel Minister of State Finance. He outlined ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at improving tax certainty, simplifying revenue administration, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in global investment markets.
During the dialogue, investors raised several operational concerns. Security challenges, tax administration procedures, customs clearance delays, and regulatory consistency were among the issues highlighted.
The interactive format allowed investors to question regulators directly, while government officials provided explanations on policy reforms and outlined steps being taken to address administrative bottlenecks.
Representatives from diplomatic missions including the United States, Russia, France, Colombia, Denmark, and Pakistan attended the meeting alongside development partners such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
Participants generally welcomed the initiative, noting that open communication between government and investors can help build trust and improve policy outcomes. Many also encouraged the authorities to sustain regular consultations in order to maintain momentum on reform efforts.
Observers say the engagement reflects growing awareness within government that improving the business environment requires more than regulatory adjustments. It also demands continuous dialogue with the companies that operate within the system and understand its practical challenges.
