President George Weah has called on Nigerian investors and key stakeholders to invest in Liberia as it would strengthen the ties between the country.
Weah said Liberia was open for business to Nigerian private sectors, adding that there was a need to address the current volume of trade between the two countries which, he said, was very low.
He said this during a courtesy visit to Nigeria on Monday, March 5, 2018.
He said that Liberia had suffered a major economic downturn, however, his administration would revive the economy and create a safe haven for business and investment.
He said,
Although Nigeria’s economy was the largest in Africa with the most powerful Army in the sub-region.
“The country has never used its wealth and military prowess to expand its territory, threaten its neighbours, or destabilise any sovereign nation in the region.”
Weah also asked investors in the banking industry not to consider shutting down their branches because Liberia depended heavily on them. He said he was optimistic that trade and commerce will increase in the near future.
“The Liberian banking sector is dominated by Nigerian banks, and I am made to understand that their head offices in Nigeria may be considering reducing their support or even shutting them down because of the recent downturn in our economy.
“If this is true, l urge them not to do so, as l am optimistic that trade and commerce will increase in the near future.
“There are also major shortcomings in the electricity and power sectors, in road construction, in housing, in mining, and in fisheries, to name a few, that could be of serious interest to Nigerian investors, either as individuals or company or through joint ventures or public-private partnerships.
“We invite all of you to come to Liberia and explore the many new opportunities for investment that are bound to increase under this new political dispensation.
“I promise you that you will find a government that is not only business friendly, but ready to do business,” he added.
