Barr. Bashir Maidugu Champions Nigeria’s Investment Potential at AfCFTA Roundtable in Algiers
By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Editor -In -Chief
Kanempress Digital Hub
17th November 2024
In a compelling address at a high-profile roundtable in Algiers, Barr. Bashir Maidugu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal Matters and Compliance in the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, underscored the immense investment opportunities offered by Nigeria under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Barr. Maidugu emphasized Nigeria’s strategic advantages, spotlighting the largely underutilized potential of its Free Trade Zones as a powerful catalyst for foreign investment. He noted that these zones offer a wealth of opportunities—ranging from tax incentives to simplified regulatory frameworks—making Nigeria a prime destination for businesses looking to expand in Africa.
Kanempress reported that Maidugu’s remarks came at a critical moment, as African leaders and business stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of intra-African trade and economic cooperation.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones—often underreported in global business circles—offer unmatched incentives for investors, including tax exemptions, simplified regulatory processes, and access to a large consumer market.
These zones, he argued, provide a uniquely attractive environment for businesses seeking to expand their footprint in Africa and capitalize on the benefits of AfCFTA.
Drawing on Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and its strategic geographical location, he urged investors to look beyond traditional perceptions and consider the vast untapped opportunities that Nigeria offers. By showcasing these advantages, he positioned Nigeria as an emerging hub for trade, manufacturing, and technology within the African continent.
The Senior Special Assistant’s, strategic push for greater awareness of Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones represents a broader effort by the Nigerian government to attract international business and drive economic growth in line with the AfCFTA’s objectives.
His message, clear and impactful, invites global investors to see Nigeria not just as a market, but as a significant player in Africa’s integrated economic future.
