Expatriate tasks FG on policies to attract foreign investment

  A Ghanaian and British foreign investor, Mr Charles Douglas, has called on the federal government to create an enabling environment for foreign companies to thrive in Nigeria. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Douglas who is introducing his company, Lumiere Group International, to the Nigerian market stated that government policies, especially tax incentives, had the potential […]

 

A Ghanaian and British foreign investor, Mr Charles Douglas, has called on the federal government to create an enabling environment for foreign companies to thrive in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Douglas who is introducing his company, Lumiere Group International, to the Nigerian market stated that government policies, especially tax incentives, had the potential to help foreign companies to thrive in the country as a catalyst for economic development and also impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.

He explained that there were veritable business opportunities in Nigeria and Africa, but finance and management challenges hamper them.

Speaking on investment opportunities, Douglas said:

“In order for any business to flourish, people need to believe in the business. You will need a conducive environment and government policies that could help individual companies to grow to open the market. There is a need to offer incentives for businesses to grow. For example, if you give Lumiere the opportunity to open our factory here, like with five years, ten years tax incentives, we will employ more people.”

He added: “If you find yourself in a UK hospital or an American hospital, you are bound to find a Nigerian specialist there. So I always ask myself; how come all these people are not back home in Nigeria, in Africa?  Some will tell you because of basic infrastructure, like potable water.

“Because of all these, when I had the calling to come to Africa, it was not easy, but I had to come. But once you can see the good in any environment, no matter what, the place will be good for you. I see Nigeria as a flourishing country. I see Nigeria as a saviour of Africa. Being a Ghanaian, when someone hears this, they may not like it, but for me, it is a fact.

“The day Nigeria will rise is the day Africa will stand. Many people can attest to that. This is because of the opportunities that abound in the country.