The Federal Government’s Investment Climate Reforms programme has recorded a major boost as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has concluded plans to ensure that Nigerians in diaspora or foreigners planning to register their businesses in Nigeria can do so online from any part of the world within the next two months.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr.Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this during the 2013 Ministerial Platform, in Abuja.

Aganga explained that the Corporate Affairs Commission had begun the process of ensuring that the 24 hour business registration is achieved  in all states across the country, adding that more states had been covered  since the commencement of  the initiative in July last year. He said, “Since the launch of 24 hours business registration in July 2012, 35,902 companies have  registered their companies in 24 hours. So, far we have achieved a 10 per cent increase in the number of companies registered, and an increase of 33 per cent in business names registered and 42 increase incorporated trustees

“Currently, the 24 hours business registration is attainable in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Kaduna with Port Harcourt and Enugu following shortly. Also, Global online business registration is to take off in the next two months time. This will ensure that anyone can register their businesses in Nigeria from any part of the world and also make payment without necessarily coming to Nigeria.”

He noted that in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan towards diversifying the nation’s economy, the Ministry was exploring new ways of unlocking domestic and international capital to boost local and foreign direct investment across all sectors of the economy adding that the move would create more jobs and generate wealth for the country.

He said, “At a time of persistent economic crisis and pressing social and environment challenges, harnessing economic growth for sustainable and inclusive development is more important than ever. Investment is the primary driver of such growth.