Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria and patron of the DRC-Nigeria Business Council, revealed that the Council’s outstanding report, which was released just two years after it was established, will encourage him to continue serving with the organization.
The council was established to foster an atmosphere that would encourage investment and cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking at the Council’s stakeholders meeting in Lagos over the weekend, Obasanjo claimed that while the sector reports were intriguing and positive, there was still opportunity for improvement.
“With the progress I have got this evening, I am not going anywhere,” Obasanjo stated in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi. We are making progress, as we previously mentioned, but more progress can be made,” he remarked.
Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, the Council’s president, had made a suggestion that if they cooperate, the African capital might survive the body’s current efforts.
“The President has a direct interest in the drive for a favorable investment climate from investors among the two great countries,” stated DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in his goodwill message, which was conveyed through Vice-Prime Minister Daniel Samba.
The Secretary, Amb. Robert “Leke Adebiyi,” reflected on the Council’s development and outlined a number of noteworthy accomplishments that show the improvement. First off, the Council has been effective in identifying important investors who have joined our team, adding to our knowledge and diversity. The growth in membership is a sign of increased confidence and interest in the opportunities presented by the DRC.
“Subsequent to our membership growth, we convened fruitful meetings in both Kinshasa and Lagos, focusing on thematic areas ripe for investment. These include oil and gas, energy, mining, agriculture, urban development, and transportation—sectors that hold the potential to drive significant economic growth and development in our nations.
“Additionally, our decision to establish an office in GRA Ikeja, Lagos, symbolizes our commitment to ensuring effective communication and collaboration among our members. This strategic location will serve as a hub for meetings and facilitate the sharing of vital information and resources to propel our initiatives forward.
“One of the major highlights has been the commitment of one of our esteemed members, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to invest in the DRC, specifically in mining and agriculture. His willingness to explore these avenues is not only a testament to the potential that the DRC holds but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for other members to follow suit. Moreover, members from other sectors, predominantly oil and gas, mining, and energy, have made significant strides in initiating their investment ventures in the DRC, which we celebrate today”.
However, Adebiyi admitted that there have been difficulties along the way, stating that “some Council members continue to navigate hurdles related to gaining full support from the DRC Investment Regulatory Commission.” We are aware that the bureaucratic procedures can be drawn out and difficult, which makes it difficult for investors to support the development of the DRC.
