In a move that seems almost too audacious, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson graced Nigeria with his presence, declaring the country a goldmine for investment opportunities despite the ongoing chaos. His visit took place during the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma, who surely welcomed the publicity.
Johnson, clearly unfazed by the alarming security issues plaguing Nigeria, took center stage to address safety concerns. With a casual nonchalance, he stated, “I read some things about security problems in Nigeria, but I am going to go anyway.” How reassuring! Attendees sang his praises, confirming they felt safe, but one must wonder: is this reality or mere performative optimism? Johnson must have been thrilled to hear the chorus of affirmations, all while serious security threats loom in the background.
This visit is particularly eyebrow-raising given Nigeria's current struggle with rampant abductions and deadly attacks. It's as if Johnson's confidence slathers over the recent declarations of a security emergency by President Bola Tinubu, who is grappling with horrific kidnappings and violent assaults across the nation. But who needs reality when you've got a former PM reassuring investors?
While addressing the summit, Johnson lavished praise on Imo State’s ambitions, particularly the governor’s promise of 24-hour electricity that he insists is crucial for economic growth. “Your focus on electricity is completely right,” he proclaimed, linking it to the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Because nothing screams economic revival like AI and electricity, right? It’s almost as if he's selling a dream rather than addressing the dire circumstances at hand.
Johnson also took a nostalgic detour, reminiscing about the historical ties between Nigeria and Britain, as if such sentiments could overshadow Nigeria’s current turmoil. He boasted about the exchanges of resources, humorously claiming, “We send you former United Kingdom prime ministers, and you send us future United Kingdom prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.” A clever quip or a deflection from the pressing issues at hand? You decide.
In a show of solidarity, Vice President Kashim Shettima, standing in for President Tinubu, painted a rosy picture of Imo State as the next big investment hub. “Imo is open for business,” he proclaimed, as if glossing over the chaos with grandiose promises. The call to action for global investors was loud and clear, as if the mere declaration could magically transform the state’s fortunes.
Other international leaders joined the stage, showering attention on Nigeria’s potential, with Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai and Mauritius’ Ameenah Gurib-Fakim extolling Nigeria’s significance in the global arena. Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, stressed the need for a shift to green energy, but would these lofty ideals be enough to distract from the present realities?
As Governor Uzodimma closed the summit, he asserted, “Imo is ready to harvest your investments,” a statement dripping with urgency and ambition. But beneath the surface, one has to question whether this is merely a façade,an attempt to pacify investors while the nation grapples with its grim reality.
With the summit wrapping up, a sense of superficial optimism prevailed, leaving one to ponder: Is this a genuine investment opportunity, or are we witnessing a grand performance hiding the turbulence beneath? The world watches as Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and the question remains,will the promises become reality, or will they fade into the backdrop of instability?
