Buhari, IoD, others to champion cause on global best practices

To further promote government’s diversification agenda, especially through sustainable investments, President Muhammadu Buhari and other stakeholders will lead the discussion on ensuring stable investment in Nigeria through global best practices.

Specifically, President Buhari is expected to deliver the keynote address at this year’s directors’ conference of the Institute of Directors (IoD) scheduled to hold on Thursday in Abuja.

According to a statement from the Institute, the 2015 directors’ conference will focus on the declining fortunes in the oil sector and the need for diversification of the nation’s economy through promotion of investment in other viable and sustainable sectors.

Victor Banjo, director-general/CEO of the Institute, in the statement said: “As a recognised member of the MINT Countries developing with high hopes, Nigeria just like Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey is under the global spotlight to fulfil its potentials by harnessing its vast resources to join the league of leading economic powers.

“This conference, which is being supported by the Embassies of Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey will be a departure from conventional events as representatives of these countries have been invited to share their countries’ experiences and discuss critical success factors for sustainable investment with the Nigerian business community.

“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as the custodian of trade investment in Nigeria, recognising that this initiative by IoD Nigeria is aimed at focusing attention on investment and local sufficiency, has pledged its full support for the 2015 Directors Conference by collaborating with IoD Nigeria in hosting it.”

Some of the speakers and panellists expected at the event include, chairman of the Honorary International Investment Council, Baroness Lynda Chalker, managing director, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji, Director-General, Institute of Directors UK, Simon Walker, managing director, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Roberts Orya, chairman, Dubri Oil, Umo Itsueli, adviser, UK Department of International Development, Andrew Thorburn, executive chairman, National Electricity Regulatory Commission, Sam Amadi and managing director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, James Olotu.