Atiku Reacts to GSK’s Planned Exit from Nigeria, Suggests Solution

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sadness over the planned exit of GlaxoSmithKline from Nigeria.

In a tweet on Saturday, August 5, Atiku noted the Nigerian environment is suffocating local and international businesses and, as such, stifling the country’s economy.

Atiku said beyond just calling foreign investors to come in and establish their firms in the Nigerian market; the government must do its utmost to encourage existing businesses to thrive.

Suggesting solutions, the former vice-president advised the government to revamp infrastructure and encourage a system that ensures energy security and retool fiscal policy.

He tweeted: “The planned exit of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) from Nigeria after more than five decades of doing business in Nigeria underscores how horrific the environment has become for both local and foreign businesses.

“Sadly, many international firms have, in recent times, sold their assets and bid farewell to Nigeria after several years of operating in our country. These exits have led to further loss of jobs in an environment that is already bleeding jobs.

“We need to do a lot more not only to encourage investors to make Nigeria their preferred destination but also to encourage companies already operating in our land not to “japa.”

“To this end, we must revamp our infrastructure, endeavour to enthrone a sustainable regime of energy security and retool our fiscal and monetary policy.”