Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (1), Alhaji Tijjani Kaura , has disclosed that the federal government will require 600 billion dollars foreign investment to make Nigeria one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020.
He made the disclosure in Abuja when he received a group of investors, known as `Zurich 9′, from Switzerland, in his office yesterday.
“The only way for us to attain our Vision 2020 is for our missions abroad to open their doors for would be investors,” Kaura said.
“Government needs a total sum of 600 billion dollars to also attain this set target.
Your visit at this time is one of the greatest achievements of the present administration,” he said.
The minister recalled that President Umaru Yar’Adua, during his dialogue with the group in January in Zurich, assured them of an enabling environment for investment.
Kaura, who commended the group for heeding Nigeria’s invitation, noted that in spite of the propaganda by the western media, Nigeria remained a safe haven for investors.
He said adequate legislation and security would be provided for their investment.
“This administration is committed to uplifting the living standards of Nigerians.
“Your investment desires falls in line with the seven-point agenda of this administration,” the minister said.
Earlier, the Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr Martin Uhomoibhi, said the visit would reinforce international business confidence in Nigeria as a suitable foreign partner.
“The visit will also afford the country the opportunity to show- case the new face of Nigeria as an investor-friendly destination that offers business and comfort for all genuine partners, regardless of their country of origin,” he said. Head of the
Delegation, Mr Robert Blum, said the visit would afford them the opportunity to make informed choices on Nigeria’s investment environment.
“Before our coming, there were lots of negative stories about Nigeria but now that we are here we have been able to see a more realistic image of the country and we are impressed,” he Blum, who is also the President of the Diplomatic Corps in Geneva, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the group was interested in oil, gas, alternative energy and power and the mineral sector.
He said they were also interested in trade, manufacturing and youth development.
The group is expected to visit the ministries of Finance, Commerce and Industry, Aviation, Energy, Environment, Culture and Transportation as well as CBN and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Filed under: Mining, Nigeria, Project Finance