₦airaland Forum

Qatari Delegation Pledges $300 Billion Investment in Nigeria’s Economy

A Qatari business delegation, led by a member of the country’s ruling family, Sheikh Abdulrahman Hamad N. H. Al-Thani, has announced plans to invest about $300 billion in various sectors of the Nigerian economy over the next decade.

The delegation announced this at the weekend in Lagos at a reception organised for its members by Elan Vert Nigeria Limited.

The visit is regarded as one of the most significant potential foreign direct investment (FDI) pledges in Nigeria’s recent history.

The Chairman of Elan Vert Nigeria Limited, Princess Adebowale Odutola, described the development as a “historic moment” for Nigeria and a reflection of investor confidence in the reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Today, we’re making history in Nigeria. We have investors who love Nigeria and have come to explore what we have in the country. They’re investing about $300 billion in various sectors of the economy, including aviation, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, oil and gas, mining…

“They are from Qatar. Before the last World Cup in their country, investors were flocking to Qatar to capitalise on its potential. After the World Cup, they decided to look elsewhere to reinvest their profits, and Nigeria is the latest bride.

“Let me quote them: ‘If you do not invest in Nigeria between now and the next 10 years, you’re locked out.’ After that, there will be nothing to invest in again in Nigeria, because by then we’ll be reaping our returns on equity,” Odutola said.

According to her, the delegation will go to Abuja to evaluate the sectors they need to engage with to kick-start their investment journey in the country.

“So, tell me, who says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is not working? The investors are coming in because of the potential they see, based on the reforms being carried out by the administration,” she added.

Expressing optimism, Princess Odutola said people will start buying Nigerian passports 10 years from today, describing the Qatari investment as a turning point in the country’s economic transformation.

“Let’s give ourselves 10 years, and people will begin to buy Nigerian passports; they will want to be Nigerians. The sort of foundation President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying will soon begin to yield dividends. The administration has paid off debts, stabilised the economy, and created an environment where investors now have confidence to come in. Nigeria is open for business,” she added.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Future Union Group, Dr. Abdelgalil Sharaf, expressed optimism about the partnership and reaffirmed the group’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential.

The businessman said the group was dedicated to providing comprehensive support for investments and investors across African nations.

“Its primary objective is to channel Arab funds into the development of Africa’s vast resources through strategic investment in various sectors. These initiatives are guided by sound economic and commercial principles aimed at stimulating growth and strengthening African economies.

“We are happy to be in Nigeria. We thank Princess Adebowale and the people of Nigeria for their hospitality. We are looking forward to a rich collaboration in sectors like aviation, oil and gas, and infrastructure,” he said.

A former PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State and now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), said the announcement was proof that Nigeria’s new economic direction under President Tinubu is restoring global investor confidence.

“Before this administration came on board, Nigeria’s reputation regarding foreign investments had become sad, especially with the forex policies that made it difficult for investors to repatriate their funds. However, this government has introduced reforms that have made the country an attractive investment destination again."

“Investors can now repatriate their funds with ease. With the stability of the foreign exchange market and our growing GDP, Nigeria is now the number one investment destination in Africa,” Adediran said.

Also, Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, hailed the development as a testament to effective collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“Developments like this show that the collaboration between the public sector and the private sector is top-notch and will definitely make our nation thrive,” Kasunmu said.

“Investors are no longer moving out of the country; they’re coming in. We’re regaining our past glory as big manufacturing companies return. Electricity and telecommunications reforms are helping Nigeria find its feet again.”

He assured the investors that adequate legislation was being put in place at both the federal and state levels to safeguard the interests of foreign investors.

Commentor:
Qatar would just be telling lies upandan.

Qatar's GDP is 288 billion dollars.

Where dem wan see 300 billion from to invest in another country?

TFOH.

Kemetian:
''Over a 10 year period''. READ before typing.

Why would they come to Nigeria and lie about investing? Did anyone force them here?

Commentor:
Who would invest a tenth of its GDP in one country every year?

The same Qatar is claiming they would invest 1.2 trillions dollars in US.

Do you need everything to be spelled put to you?

Kemetian:
GDP is not what determines how much a country like Qatar has to spend, as GDP merely reflects economic activity in their tiny population of 2.8 million, not the actual cash available to the govt to spend.

Their sovereign wealth fund alone has almost $600 billion and rising..

So they can invest 20 to 30 billion dollars annually in Nigeria, for a decade, easily.

“Let me quote them: ‘If you do not invest in Nigeria between now and the next 10 years, you’re locked out.’ After that, there will be nothing to invest in again in Nigeria, because by then we’ll be reaping our returns on equity,” Odutola said.

Commentor:
A country that has a SWF of 600 Billion, is telling you it would invest a trillion dollars in US and 300 billion in Nigeria, and you believe.

C',mon now.

Commentor:
A country that has a SWF of 600 Billion, is telling you it would invest a trillion dollars in US and 300 billion in Nigeria, and you believe.

C',mon now.

A Qatari business delegation, led by a member of the country’s ruling family, Sheikh Abdulrahman Hamad N. H. Al-Thani, has announced plans to invest about $300 billion in various sectors of the Nigerian economy over the next decade.

WizardOfNG:
It is $300 billion USD to be invested over ten years. How is that unfeasible?

Even if it is an optimistic estimate, anything North of $150 billion USD invested in Nigeria over 19 years is commendable.

I therefore don't see the rationale behind rushing to try and discredit this announcement especially given the calibre of those who made the pledge.

Let me quote them: ‘If you do not invest in Nigeria between now and the next 10 years, you’re locked out.’ After that, there will be nothing to invest in again in Nigeria, because by then we’ll be reaping our returns on equity,” Odutola said.

Commentor:
They don't have the money.

Don't believe the hype.

WizardOfNG:
I am not believing any hype. This is a trade delegation making the pledge .

It is their area of expertise i.e engagement with other Countries to identify mutually beneficial areas of financially productive cooperation.

Commentor:
Qatar would just be telling lies upandan.

Qatar's GDP is 288 billion dollars.

Where dem wan see 300 billion from to invest in another country?

TFOH.

SpaceX:
Audio investment and hope terrorism investment is not included because Qataris can't be trusted

Commentor:
A pledge is not a debt


They don't have such funds.