The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has called on the media to act as positive ambassadors and contribute to promoting Nigeria, thereby enhancing the country’s appeal for increased investments.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, made this appeal during a media “meet and greet” event organized by the commission in Abuja on Friday.
Rimi emphasized the essential role that Nigerians play in advancing Chief Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the country’s growth and development.
She underscored that the media, too, has a crucial part to play in this collective effort.
“So it is essential that we make Nigeria work in whatever shape or forms we can. We are all stakeholders in this, and at every level, everybody has a role to play. There are countries where you never hear the press talking wrong about their country, no matter how the story goes, they spin it to their benefit.
“So let us try to do that. Let us be ambassadors. Let us promote Nigeria and promote the good things about Nigeria,” she said.
The CEO admitted the possibility of occasional mistakes and deviations from the ideal course. She emphasized that Nigerians play a crucial role in representing the company positively.
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Ms. Rimi said, “Everybody is an ambassador of this country, and we must ensure that Nigeria is seen positively worldwide. Let us highlight the good stories; let us learn to support each other so that investors will be attracted to the country, and we will be able to grow the economy.”
Restating the commission’s purpose, Ms. Rimi emphasized that the NIPC was established with the goal of enabling and encouraging investor access in the country, as well as retaining those already present.
She said, “If nobody traps these people and gives them the support they need, other countries are competing with Nigeria, so we must be very intentional. So our job is to bridge that gap between the private sector and government.
“To ensure that our investors, be they foreign or domestic, incoming or already here, that we ensure their experience and economic activities in Nigeria are fruitful and beneficial.
“This is because if they do well, we do well; we know the resultant effects, the multiplier effects that a successful investment will have on our economy, job creation, diversification of the economy, and all of that.”
In her statement, she mentioned that the commission is adjusting its priorities and endeavors to align with the goals of the new administration and the eight-point agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She extended gratitude to the media for their past support and conveyed optimism about the ongoing collaborative efforts persisting in the future.
Ms. Rimi said, “As I settle down, I will continue to depend on your support to promote the commission’s activities. As we go into the next year, by God’s grace, we will keep you abreast of the developments as they occur. Please look at us as an open agency. Our doors and ears are open; we will listen to constructive criticism and information, verify what we can, and provide you with what we can. But it is a partnership that we all exist in the same ecosystem, and so we must coexist harmoniously, cordially, and respectfully.”
The head of the NIPC expressed a commitment to strengthen collaboration with the media in the upcoming year, extending heartfelt wishes for God’s continuous blessings, guidance, protection, good health, and prosperity in 2024.
Moreover, Mr. Ifeanyi Onuba, the President of the Commerce and Industry Correspondent Association of Nigeria, affirmed the dedication of association members to present the commission in a positive light.
Mr. Onuba urged the commission to involve every association member in its activities, emphasizing that this inclusive approach would allow them to contribute effectively in disseminating accurate news and information that aligns with the interests of both the NIPC and the country.