Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigeria to attract more local and foreign investments to drive economic growth.
He spoke in Bauchi while commissioning the new Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigeria’s progress depends on attracting both local and international investments to strengthen its economy and promote sustainable development.
Obasanjo made the remark on Tuesday in Bauchi while commissioning the newly completed Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre. He described the facility as a world-class project that can position Bauchi State as a key destination for tourism and business in Nigeria.
The former president praised Governor Bala Mohammed for his vision and commitment to developing the state, noting that the center reflects Bauchi’s growing capacity for innovation and its readiness to attract investors. “With what we have, we can show the world that we are part of it,” Obasanjo said. “What others boast of is not beyond our reach. This center can serve as one of Nigeria’s major tourist attractions.”
Obasanjo stressed that investment is the key to Nigeria’s transformation, adding that projects like the conference center would encourage business engagements and promote regional cooperation. “We are not only opening this facility, we are also beginning discussions on how to attract investments. What Nigeria needs now is to mobilize funds from both local and international sources,” he said. He also pledged to support the Bauchi State Government in its efforts to attract investors.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, Ruben Okoya, whose firm handled the construction, described the project as a “masterpiece” that demonstrates the benefits of local expertise and commitment to quality.
He explained that the conference center sits on 10,000 square meters of land and can accommodate up to 3,000 people at once. The facility includes five main halls, an outdoor event arena with a 2,500-person capacity, a mosque, solar energy installations, and full internet connectivity.
Okoya also revealed that all granite used in the building was sourced locally from Bauchi State, showcasing the state’s abundance of natural resources. He appealed to the Federal Government to consider hosting national events, including the Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit, in Bauchi to further promote the state’s emerging infrastructure and economic potential.
According to him, the project was fully executed by Nigerian engineers and contractors, proving that local talent can deliver large-scale developments when given the opportunity. He commended Governor Mohammed for his leadership and recalled that the project’s foundation was laid in 2021 by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who was a guest at the time.
The commissioning ceremony drew several dignitaries, including government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and international guests. Many described the project as a milestone in Bauchi’s journey toward modernization and economic advancement.
