President Bola Tinubu has commended international energy company, ENI, for its proposed new investment in Nigeria. He reiterated his vision of making the nation more globally competitive and an attractive investment destination.
Receiving a delegation from ENI led by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Claudio Descalzi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, President Tinubu highlighted the administration’s commitment to innovative thinking, strategic planning, new technology, and research into best practices to reposition the nation’s economy.
“ENI, we welcome your team again. Claudio, it is an honor for me to welcome you back to your second home, Nigeria. Welcome back after many years. Nigeria has improved, and I am glad that you noted our progress. We are making changes with a long-term vision for our investment strategy,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to stay ahead of global changes and make reforms a priority. “We cannot grow today’s seed with yesterday’s belief system. We have to continuously be intellectually inquisitive and reform our ways. We count on your efforts and see the effect of your belief in our partnership, not for exploitation, but for investable development. Africa is not in a begging mode but in an accelerated mode to compete globally,” the President added.
A statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), quoted President Tinubu emphasizing the mutual benefits of sustained reforms for both investors and Nigerians. He assured, “We will continue to be leaders in reform and create opportunities for attracting investments. The fossil fuel problem is there; science and technology are taking over. We will still assure you that we are going to be the global investment destination and encourage you to put a timeline on that investment strategy.”
Tinubu praised ENI’s longstanding confidence in Nigeria and its diversification into sectors such as agriculture. “We are open; we are ready. We are working hard on infrastructural development and making arable land available for planting. We are ready to partner with you in every aspect, including innovative research,” he stated.
In his remarks, Mr. Claudio Descalzi, the CEO of ENI, expressed the company’s intent to invest more in Nigeria, particularly in the agricultural sector. “There are many reasons to thank you. Firstly, after nine years, you allowed me to return to my country. It is quite emotional. Secondly, not only because you found time to stay with us, but especially because you promoted a new era for Nigeria. You want us to attract investment, and I think you are on the right track with your leadership,” Descalzi said.
He added, “We want to demonstrate that what some say in Europe about Nigeria is not true. We want to be the champion of this new era. We trust you and want everyone in Europe and beyond to trust your leadership. We can be good ambassadors for Nigeria, not just in Europe, but in other countries.
