NIGERIA’S vast investment potential came to the fore at the weekend as governors and stakeholders wooed participants at the two-day second Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) business investment forum and exhibition in London.

The Kwara, Zamfara and Niger governments, along with privately-owned businesses, made presentations on the “Rich Investment Potential” of their states.

Speaking on behalf of Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, his Special Assistant on Investment, Policy and Strategy, Yomi Ogunsola, asked investors to be part of the state’s Infrastructure Development Fund, which according to him, was a long-term investment that would be used to develop roads, power and other infrastructural needs of the state.

He told the prospective investors that Kwara was open for business and that the state would readily welcome anyone who could add value to what the government was doing.

Governors Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara) and his Niger State counterpart, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, also asked investors to come over to their states   to be part of their developmental efforts.

Describing Zamfara State as a “mining haven,” Yari, who was represented by an aide, told would-be-investors that the state had abundant solid minerals, which were in commercial quantities.

He added: “You should come and explore the work of nature and consider Zamfara State as your next tourism destination”.

Earlier on Friday, Vice Chairman of the Business Council for Africa, Clive Carpenter, gave a glowing reference to Nigeria during a paper presentation on “Nigeria Business Ventures: Challenges and Prospects.” Carpenter, who has over 10 years’ working experience as a top banker in Nigeria, told prospective investors to “do their homework” before jumping over to do business in Nigeria.

Advising investors not to be frightened or let the insecurity in some parts of the North put them off, Carpenter said: “Do your homework and if one state is challenging, it doesn’t mean the whole country is a no-go area.”

Also, the NTA’s Acting Director, Musa Mayaki, asked prospective investors to take advantage of the “current drive” by the Federal Government to come over to Nigeria.

“Doing business in Nigeria is safe due to the enabling environment provided by the government, so invest your capital in the various sectors of the economy and you will be glad you did” just like the South African Telecom giant, MTN is”, he said.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, also urged British investors and anyone with investment capital to consider the country, describing Nigeria as an “investment destination.”