ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- During the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Conference held on September 6th, 2023, in New Delhi, India, Tony O. Elumelu C.F.R., Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, delivered a compelling message to the Indian private sector.
The event, jointly organized by the High Commission of Nigeria to India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC), provided a platform for fostering economic ties between the two nations.
Tony Elumelu, renowned for his leadership in building pan-African financial service businesses and overseeing substantial power and natural resources ventures aimed at enhancing Africa’s value, was present in Delhi for the G20 Summit.
He attended as an invitee of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and served as the co-chair of the Business 20 (B20) Action Council, concentrating on African economic integration, the private sector’s counterpart to the G20.
In his keynote address, Elumelu extended a warm invitation to Indian private sector leaders, encouraging them to join the global investor community in exploring the rapidly transforming Nigerian economy, which is home to approximately 20 per cent of Africa’s population and boasts one of the world’s most extensive consumer bases. He emphasized:
“This is the ideal moment to invest in Nigeria. As a private sector investor in Nigeria, our Group’s portfolio companies exemplify the opportunities available. I firmly believe that you, too, can leverage our proven track record and success.”
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Elumelu Meets Tinubu In President Villa
At the Presidential roundtable hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Indian investors demonstrated their commitment by pledging investments totalling nearly $14 billion into Nigeria.
This commitment followed the Nigerian president’s promise to create a conducive environment for foreign investments to flourish.
Elumelu underlined the appeal of Nigeria as a significant market, highlighting its vast population of over 200 million people and its status as the continent’s largest economy. He also emphasized the demographic advantage, stating:
“Nigeria’s population is not just substantial; it’s demographically exciting. We have a dynamic cohort of young consumers, as well as intelligent, industrious individuals who provide the essential human capital that investors require to drive their businesses.”
Tony Elumelu’s recent appointment as co-chair of the Business 20 (B20) Action Council, focusing on African economic integration, alongside Sunil Mittal, Founder of Bharti Enterprises (owners of Airtel), signifies his continued dedication to advancing economic cooperation within the G20 framework.
Established in 2010, the B20 serves as the official platform for dialogue between the G20 and the global business community, comprising corporate enterprises and organizations.