President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for global investors like Airtel to support the country’s economic growth. Speaking during a meeting with an Airtel delegation led by Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu announced plans to review the telecoms sector’s regulatory framework to align with global best practices and prioritize infrastructure protection.
“I am grateful for your openness, readiness, and confidence, which moved us very close to the Prime Minister of India. When he was here, we discussed things at length,” President Tinubu said. “The entire ecosystem will be further examined, and if there is anything we can copy from India, we are ready to do so. We are prepared to learn. We are not ashamed of copying what is working in other climes.”
The President assured the Airtel delegation of his administration’s pro-business stance, stating, “I am pro-business, and I will continue to be that. I can give you that assurance.” He also highlighted ongoing tax reforms aimed at creating a more favorable climate for investors, adding, “We will find a way to work with tax administrators to ensure that whatever we have to do, we will encourage growth and opportunities. We are ready to do that.”
Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, thanked the President for his consistent support for the telecoms sector’s growth. He noted that the President’s approval to classify fiber optic and undersea cables as critical national assets would further stimulate industry growth. Tijani assured that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has already begun implementing and enforcing the new measures.
Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal commended President Tinubu for implementing bold economic reforms, drawing parallels to India’s economic transformation in the 1990s. “When you took office, you made some promises. Given the country’s situation, I was unsure how deep and far you could take your commitments,” Mittal said. He praised the President’s decision to float the naira and remove petrol subsidies, describing them as “unprecedented” and “remarkable” achievements.
Mittal expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic future, urging more Nigerians with significant financial portfolios abroad to invest in the country. “I have been speaking to people in Nigeria, friends and business people, and they are all now feeling calm. When they start to get back, they will move very fast. I have experienced this in India,” he stated.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector in driving economic growth and development. As Nigeria continues to implement reforms aimed at attracting investment, the partnership with global players like Airtel is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
