Abuja Investments Company Limited , AICL, has called on Ugandan investors and businesses to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, particularly through Abuja, describing the Federal Capital Territory as a strategic gateway into the Nigerian market.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AICL, Her Excellency (Amb) Maureen Tamuno, PhD, made the call on Thursday in Kampala while speaking at the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition 2026, where she urged both countries to transform their longstanding diplomatic relations into stronger economic partnerships.
Tamuno said Nigeria and Uganda occupy significant economic positions as entry points into West and East Africa respectively, stressing the need for both countries to deepen business-to-business relationships, investment flows and private-sector cooperation.
According to her, AICL, the flagship investment and holding company of the FCT, was established to attract and facilitate investments, promote public-private partnerships and connect investors with opportunities across Abuja.
She noted that the ongoing transformation of the FCT under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, CON, had created a more attractive environment for investors through major infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
Tamuno also highlighted AICL’s Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE) as a major platform for connecting investors, financial institutions, government agencies and private-sector players with investment opportunities in Abuja and across Nigeria.
She disclosed that the next edition, ABIE 2027, is scheduled to hold from October 13 to 15, 2027, in Abuja, inviting Ugandan investors and businesses to participate actively.
The AICL boss further identified the creative industry as an important area for collaboration, citing Abuja Film Village International Limited (AFVL), an AICL-owned subsidiary established to support the growth of Nigeria’s film and creative industries.
According to her, AFVL provides opportunities for investors interested in film studios, movie production, filmmaking and other creative-sector ventures, while also facilitating professional development involving filmmakers, producers, actors and international industry experts.
Tamuno assured Ugandan investors that AICL stands ready to serve as a partner and gateway into Nigeria, leveraging Abuja’s strategic position as the Federal Capital.
She added that AICL remains committed to advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by creating platforms that facilitate stronger African business linkages, market access and investment partnerships.
She expressed optimism that the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum would translate into concrete partnerships, increased trade and sustainable economic opportunities for citizens of both countries.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, called on Uganda and Nigeria to move beyond diplomatic goodwill and build stronger, tangible economic partnerships in accordance with the theme, “Enhancing Business Linkages and Market Access through the AfCFTA Framework.”
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana,Permanent Secretary,office of the secretary to the Government of the federation,Nigeria and lead to the Nigerian Delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly through the conclusion of outstanding agreements and the promotion of stronger business and interpersonal ties.
Ambassadors Richard Kabonero, Philip Odida Acting-Ugandan High Commissioner and Misitura Abdulraheem,Acting-Nigerian High Commissioner, alongside business leaders, identified promising areas for collaboration, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, research, creative industries, financial services and agro-processing.
Delivering the closing remarks, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Minister of State,Uganda for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda High Commission in Abuja for successfully convening the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition.
Kasolo urged stakeholders to move swiftly towards implementing the resolutions reached at the forum, directing agencies to follow-up on business leads and address trade barriers.
Among attendees are: Chief Michael Awunor, President, Nigeria-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NUCCIMA), Mr. Girma Wake,CEO, Uganda Airlines,Muhammad Ibrahim Abdullahi,First Secretary Economic Trade and Investment, Nigeria High Commission, Kampala, Mr. Ajay Kumar Pal,CEO, Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil) amongst others.
The forum underscored a shared commitment to transforming opportunities into practical partnerships, increased trade and inclusive economic growth.
