By Timothy Choji, Abuja
The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s doors are open to investments and collaboration across diverse sectors.
He added that President Bola Tinubu remains determined to transform the nation’s economy for the better.
The Vice President stated this on Monday when he received a delegation from an American card payment services company, VISA, led by the Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Mr. Tareq Muhmood, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
He said the results of the bold reforms undertaken by the administration of President Tinubu since assuming office in 2023 are testaments to the renewed determination of Nigeria’s leadership.
Vice President Shettima noted that though painful, the ongoing reforms by the Tinubu administration were necessary and have begun to yield positive results in the economy.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to change the face of our nation. Today, there is great room for expansion in the Nigerian economy. Eight out of the ten unicorns in Africa are from Nigeria.
“The economy has picked up pace, we have crossed the Rubicon and we are on a path of sustainable growth. The tax reforms are gaining traction, we are restoring discipline to the system and our foreign reserves are growing steadily,” the VP said.
VP Shettima commended VISA’s growing interest in the Nigerian economy, particularly its partnership with indigenous fintech companies, and urged the company to leverage Nigeria’s huge unbanked population in its expansion drive across Africa.
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He said digital payment systems are the future of electronic commercial transactions across Africa, highlighting their potential to entrench transparency and curb corruption.
VISA Regional President, Mr. Muhmood, praised President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, linking them to the recent growth experienced across diverse sectors of the economy.
He attributed the company’s renewed interest in Nigeria to achievements recorded as a result of the Tinubu administration’s courageous reforms, particularly in the oil and gas sector, the foreign exchange regime, and tax administration.
Mr. Muhmood announced the company’s intention to increase its stake in the Nigerian economy and participate actively in programmes that directly impact lives and livelihoods across different sectors.