• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has engaged existing foreign investors operating in Nigeria in a high-level dialogue aimed at addressing business challenges and strengthening the country's investment climate. The engagement took place during the Third Existing Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) Roundtable held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa. According to a statement issued by the PEBEC Secretariat on Friday, the roundtable brought together senior government officials and leading foreign investors for a candid and solutions-oriented discussion on improving the operating environment for businesses in Nigeria. The statement noted that the forum forms part of PEBEC's ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between government and the private sector while ensuring that reforms translate into measurable improvements for investors. Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, welcomed participants on behalf of the Vice President of Nigeria and Chairman of PEBEC. Hadejia reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to fostering a stable, transparent and competitive business environment capable of supporting investment, expansion and long-term economic growth. In her remarks, Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director-General of PEBEC, stressed the importance of sustained engagement with investors already operating in the country. She said existing foreign investors play a critical role in Nigeria's economic development through job creation, capital investment, technology transfer and supply chain development. Audu explained that PEBEC's engagement strategy places significant emphasis on listening to investors and addressing operational challenges that affect their businesses. According to the statement, the roundtable featured presentations and interactive sessions with key government officials responsible for regulatory and policy frameworks affecting investors. Among them were Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Olutunji Rilwan Disu and the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force. Also participating virtually was Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, who provided insights into ongoing fiscal and tax reforms aimed at improving tax certainty, strengthening revenue administration and enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness as an investment destination. The statement added that investors commended the Federal Government for creating an open platform for dialogue and expressed strong interest in sustaining regular engagements of this nature. "Representatives from various diplomatic missions, including the Embassies of the United States, Russian Federation, France, Colombia, Denmark, and Pakistan, graced the event, offering insightful perspectives that enriched the discourse on Nigeria's business landscape. Notably, development partners such as the United Nations and the World Bank also participated, contributing expertise that further informed the discussions. "The discussions were robust and highly engaging, with investors raising technical questions and sharing practical insights on a range of issues including security, tax administration, customs processes, and fiscal policy reforms. The interactive format enabled direct engagement between investors and policymakers, facilitating clarity on reforms and identifying areas for further improvement. "Participants commended the Federal Government for creating an open platform for dialogue and expressed strong interest in sustaining regular engagements of this nature. The conversations underscored the importance of continuous public-private collaboration in driving reforms that support investor confidence and economic growth. "The successful convening of the Third Existing FDI Roundtable reinforces PEBEC's role as a key institutional platform for coordinating reforms, resolving investor concerns, and strengthening Nigeria's position as a competitive investment destination in Africa," the statement read. Source: https://businessday.ng/news/article/pebec-engages-foreign-investors-seek-practical-solutions-to-business-challenges/