Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria must prioritise the mobilisation of private sector investments to achieve sustainable economic development.
Obasanjo stated this on Wednesday in Bauchi during the inauguration of the International Conference Centre constructed by Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration.
The edifice, named after the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first Premier of Northern Nigeria, was described by Obasanjo as a landmark project capable of boosting economic activities and tourism in the state.
“With what we have, we can show the world that we are part and parcel of the world. What others have and pride themselves about, is not more than what we have,” he said.
The former President noted that Nigeria possesses vast untapped resources that, if properly managed and supported by private investment, could place the nation on a stronger economic footing.
“Some people don’t even have half of what we have. We have a world packed centre which can be developed and be made one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria,” Obasanjo added.
He further said the newly commissioned centre could serve as a hub for international conferences, investment summits and tourism.
“The people that will be coming here, will be able to stay in the hotels, interact, have discussions and conferences in this ICC, and make Bauchi a centre of attraction and tourism for Nigeria,” he said.
“Not only are we commissioning this, we are starting with a conference to talk about investment, and what do we need in Nigeria today? We need to mobilise investments from local and from the international,” Obasanjo stated.