12th April, 2011
Mr. Billy Harry, the President, Forum of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, has said that credible elections will attract investment to the country.
Harry, who is also the Vice President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He observed that the peaceful conduct of the National Assembly election on April 9, signalled good things to happen in the country.
He also noted that investors were usually attracted to a conducive environment for good returns, adding that meaningful investment could only be feasible in a stable environment.
“When credible elections hold in Nigeria, it is signalling to all of us locally and internationally that Nigeria is coming of age.
“In business, what every investor is looking for is to be able to invest in a stable environment and also be able to watch that investment grow and expand.
“I think that is what is going to happen. The international community is watching. They think that Nigerians may not get it right a hundred per cent now, but we have already started the process.
“This standard can only be improved in the future,’’ he said.
Harry expressed the hope that future elections would be better organised so that investors’ confidence in the country’s economy would be boosted.
“The opportunities are there; the market size is also there and with political stability, this is a good time to come to Nigeria and do business,’’ he said.