Source: The Guardian, Joke Falaju, Abuja- Dec. 04, 2017
The Federal Government has extolled the contributions of the private sector in delivering large-scale land development and infrastructure.
President Muhammadu Buhari who commissioned the Novare Gateway Mall in Abuja, tasked the management of the newly opened facility to embrace the local content policy so as to promote made-in-Nigeria goods, stem capital flight and conserve much needed foreign exchange.
According to him, “Nigeria cannot afford to continue as a dumping ground for foreign goods especially of products with which it has been abundantly blessed. Nigeria’s vegetables and fruits are rated among the best in the world. You would be demonstrating a very great act of patriotism to promote the cultivation of such crops at home as you would wish to shelf on your shops”.
Represented by Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, the president expressed hope that the mall would boost tourism, create jobs and provide refreshing shopping space for residents and visitors alike.
He, therefore, commended the management of Novare Real Estate Africa for the timely completion of this magnificent edifice, barely 18 months after the foundation stone was laid, saying it was indeed, very exemplary in the practice of construction engineering.
Chairman of Novare Gateway Mall Abuja, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu in his remarks, stated that the successful completion of the Mall in record time was a testament to the enabling business environment created by the Federal Government and the FCT to encourage foreign direct investment and the continued visible rapid urban regeneration all over the FCT.
Ajogwu, however, urged the government to provide adequate economic environment by initiating investment-friendly reforms and building strong institutions to further deepen Foreign Direct investment in the country for job creation.
“Nigeria’s attitude should be similar to that of South Koreans whose leaders have continually re-stated the fundamental truth that – “No one owes us (South Koreans) a living.
Indeed, no one else, but Nigeria owes herself a living; and this must be clearly reflected by creating and implementing innovative strategies that are aimed at turning the economy around,” he stated.
The mall sits on 15 000 square metres of space occupied by 60 stores and a second phase that will in future see another 10 000 square metres added to accommodate 33 more shops.
