- US Firms Invest $8.1bn in Nigeria – Envoy
The United States Consul-General in Lagos, Mr. John Bray, has said that the private investments of US companies in Nigeria are more than $8.1bn.
He stated this in Lagos on Tuesday during the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Security Meets Business Dialogue.
According to him, in spite of the security challenges in the country, some American companies have thrived, while some that cannot cope have left the country.
He said that to address the issue, the US Department of Commerce, Ministry of Trade and Industry and its Nigerian counterpart would hold dialogue sessions to identify impediments in the business environment.
The consul-general stated that the dialogue sessions would forge collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve on security in the country.
In his opening remarks, the President, LCCI, Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, noted that there was no better time to consider the business dimension of security challenges than now, adding that food security was at risk as agricultural production was being threatened by security concerns.
He said, “No meaningful business can be done in an environment that is insecure. Security of life and property is a very critical factor in the investment environment and a major consideration in investment decisions.
“The impact of these security challenges on business and investors’ confidence is phenomenal. Not much investment activities are taking place in the north-eastern part of the country. Attacks by herdsmen on farming communities across the country are not abating, resulting in increasing loss of lives.”
He added, “Many rural farmers are holding back from the current planting season because of the fear of attacks by herdsmen.
