By Adesina Wahab

The Group Managing Director, Abuja Investment Company Limited, AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, has called for collaborative efforts between the company and other interested investors in the areas of agriculture and renewable energy.

She stated this in Abuja at a roundtable held with some business executives.

This is just as the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) is seeking collaborative partnerships between agricultural stakeholders, renewable energy experts, and the Nigerian Government to harness the vast investment potential that Abuja has to offer.

The meeting follows the success of the inaugural Abuja Business and Investment Summit (ABIS 2024) and serves as a prelude to upcoming landmark events, including the Abuja Business & Investment Summit EXPO (ABISummit 2025), scheduled for October 21-25, 2025, at the newly renovated AICL International Conference Center.

Additionally, an Investors Forum in London will take place on June 19, 2025, in partnership with the Diaspora Commission, to highlight investment opportunities in Abuja to European investors and Nigerians in the diaspora.

Speaking at the roundtable, the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Limited(AICL),Ambassador Maureen Tamuno expressed profound gratitude to the Minister of the FCT, His Excellency Barr Nyesom Wike for his unwavering support and dedication to transforming Abuja’s economic landscape.

She also expressed appreciation to sponsors, stakeholders and participants to have been instrumental to the success of the initiatives.

She emphasized the importance of agriculture and renewable energy as key drivers of sustainable development, job creation, and economic diversification in the FCT. The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships to enhance food security, promote clean energy, and position Abuja as Africa’s leading investment hub.

Dr. Tamuno underscored the importance of collective effort and cooperation among stakeholders to tap into Abuja’s investment opportunities, particularly in the areas of agriculture and renewable energy.

Umma Abubakar, Coordinator of the FCT Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones Project, revealed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration has secured a $5 million loan to bolster the project’s initiatives in Abuja.

She emphasized that this funding would play a crucial role in enhancing the project’s impact, particularly in boosting agricultural productivity and promoting agro-industrial development in the region.

Abubakar, who doubles as a Director in the FCTA, said the project would focus on developing the Paiko-kore/Dobi Livestock Industrial Hub, which would cater to the beef and dairy value chains.

She said the initiative is expected to improve the livelihoods of farmers, resettle cows in the hub, create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The Coordinator said seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are participating in the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project.

Notably, she said the FCT would focus on beef and dairy production, with the Paiko-kore/Dobi Livestock Industrial Hub in Gwagwalada Area Council serving as a key location for these value chains.

Also speaking, the Chief Investment Officer, AICL, Dr Abiodun Akanbi, said that the Company is committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and development in Abuja, adding that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project aligns with its investment objectives.

He revealed that the first renewable farmers market located in Utako Abuja would be commissioned soon.

In their separate contributions, the Coordinator PPP Agric & Rural Development Secretariat, FCT, Agwu Igwe; MD/CEO, Magnifique Integrated Concept, Idongeset Nkerewen; MD, NG Eagle Airlines, Capt Amie Gaya and Country Director, AGCOMS International, Okoli Chijioke lauded the Company for its efforts in promoting agricultural development and food security in Nigeria, particularly through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project.

AICL remains dedicated to economic diversification and sustainable development, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to position Abuja as a leading investment hub in Africa.

Other top personalities at the event include Technical Adviser to the President, economic and financial inclusion, office of the Vice president-Dr Nurudeen Muhammed Zauro, Kemi Sijuwade  from Greenland Concept, Capt Jamil MD Abubakar,Adamu Umar, from ICRC, Okoli Chijioke, Gbenga Oladele, among several notable others.