Today, my work is to inform the outer public about the opportunities
that abound in the African content. As a continent, Africa has developed based
on increased awareness about happenings in advanced countries and also the will
to compete both as a country or on individual basis. The world today has become
a small global market considering how services, information and investment has
been moving at high rate from one extreme part to another. This makes it
necessary for me to write about opportunities that abound here in my continent,
with Nigeria as my focal point.
Africa to me presently is the cheapest place (apart from
Asia, which I am not really sure about) presently to locate businesses. This among
other reasons makes it a fertile ground for investors to start planting and
operating landmark businesses. As we have the population to consume whatever is
been produced, vibrant and intelligent individuals ready to work and also the
government putting in place reforms to make it more business friendly day in
day out.
I know my view point would be seen as being sentimental, in
that I am African and a proud Nigerian, I am quick to respond to them by
highlighting facts that are well known globally, using my country as a case
study.
Nigeria as of today has a population of over 167 million, with more than 65 – 70% of them being able bodied youth, strong and ready to work. Labour is reasonably cheap, as way of living in Nigeria is considerably reasonable. Schools yearly churn out bright minds ready to explore and experience what the world has for them.
Also is the recent move by the federal government of Nigeria
as regards privatization of the power sector. This shows a good sign, as the
private investors would want to make money, thereby, making sure electric power
is available at whatever capacity needed.
We have the recent news about the death of the leader of the terrorist
group (Boko Haram). This goes a long way to show that the government is making
sure the country is safe enough for any form of investment and expatriate brought
in. it is a known fact all over the world that Nigerians are happy and accommodating
people, as this would make settling down of investors easier and faster.
There are plans on-going to build the biggest seaport in the
whole of Africa in Nigeria and also expansion of old ones to allow for easy and
improved business operation. Recently, one of our own, Industrialist of repute
(Aliko Dangote), announced his plans to build an oil refinery in the country
that would give us over two-third of the fuel used in this country.
We have big companies changing ownership, such as the
acquisition of over 70% ofDangote flour
by Tiger group of South Africa, a Chinese truck manufacturing firm announcing
plans to site their manufacturing plant in Calabar free trade zone. This and a
whole lot more are happening just to mention a few.
To me these are positive signs that good times have come for
Nigeria as a country, and also, should also serve as encouragement for other
investors to coming to benefit from all being put in place, bringing in world
class business operational method and also competing for their share in the
market.
Opportunities present now are limitless, with sectors in
haulage, oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, medical and
health just to mention a few open for exploration. This to me is good news.
It would be a thing of joy to see more investors come in as
soon as possible, as nothing lasts forever and opportunities when sometimes
lost, cannot be regained.
I ask that Nigerians in Diaspora continually show themselves
as good ambassadors of their country and also inform the outside world about
the opportunities untapped here in Africa.
I AM A POSITIVE NIGERIAN YOUTH
GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
Fakeye, Olaniyi olatunde
President
Neff Business Concept
