Financial expert calls for strategic policy implementation

By MICHAEL EBOH

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FBN Capital Limited, Mr. Osaze Osifo, has called for the strategic implementation of policies affecting the Nigerian financial sector, saying this will help drive the country’s economic development.

He also emphasised the need for increased local investors’ participation in the Nigerian capital market, adding that this will serve as a major encouragement for foreign investors’ participation.

According to Osifo, in a statement made available to Vanguard, rapid development of the markets driven by the strategic implementation of policies and led by local investors would position the nation for enhanced economic development and encourage the patronage of offshore investors.

The statement said the FBN Capital’s boss remarks was coming on the heels of commendations that have continued to trail the success of the firm’s recent investor conference, which had in attendance, senior government officials, corporate organisations, institutional investors, local and foreign media organisations, among others.

Maximising investment opportunities

The conference, hosted by the investment banking and asset management arm of First Bank Group in Lagos, with the theme, ‘From BRICS to BRINCS — A Real Conversation,’ has as its main objective, to provide platforms for partnerships and strategies for maximising investment opportunities in Nigeria.

Osifo said the conference afforded participants the opportunity to hold conversations with policymakers and business people with a view to moving the Nigerian economy forward, and taking real business to the next level.

He said, “Discussions during the conference have helped address the steps required to deepen Nigerian capital markets, improve access to unlisted companies as well as highlight capital-raising and growth opportunities, which will boost Nigeria’s image as a foremost destination for investments in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Osifo restated the committed of FBN Capital to promoting causes that would facilitate the emergence of Nigeria as a foremost investment destination, adding that the company would sustain the momentum of the annual event.

Also speaking, David Dunnigan, Partner, Clifford Chance LLP said the conference had changed perceptions about investment opportunities in Nigeria.

He said, “It was an incredibly impressive conference, and a real privilege for us to be part of it and to meet such prominent figures in the Nigerian market. It is certainly an exciting time for Nigeria as a whole and we very much hope to play a role in that development in the coming years.”