A Nigerian businessman based in Canada, Mr Oluwafemi Ayeyemi, has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address the twin problems of poor infrastructure and insecurity across the country. He said these two issues remain the biggest obstacles discouraging Nigerians living abroad from investing back home, despite the huge opportunities Nigeria offers.
Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, Mr Ayeyemi made this call after taking journalists on a tour of his N3 billion hotel project currently under construction in Obada, a growing area within the Ogun State capital. The project, which sits on two hectares of land, is nearing completion and is expected to provide jobs for at least 100 Nigerians once it is fully operational.
Ayeyemi, who hails from Ogun State, said that while Nigeria has a lot of potential for business and economic growth, the persistent issues of bad roads, unreliable electricity, and worsening insecurity continue to make many Nigerians in the diaspora lose interest in bringing their money home for investment. He noted that many people who would love to contribute to the country’s development are discouraged by the lack of basic infrastructure and the constant threat to lives and property.
Despite the challenges, Ayeyemi stressed the need for Nigerians abroad to begin to take more active steps in investing in their country. He said such moves would not only help develop the economy but would also reduce the high rate of unemployment and poverty, especially among the youth.
While showing reporters around his construction site, Ayeyemi disclosed that the hotel project began in 2017. The three-storey facility will have 62 guest rooms, a standard swimming pool, various event halls, and other modern features. He noted that over 300 workers are currently engaged on-site, and the project is already 80 per cent completed. The hotel is expected to officially open in October 2025.
“This project started around 2017. It is part of my own way of supporting the government in creating jobs and fighting poverty,” Ayeyemi said. “As someone based in Canada, I can confirm that Nigeria is full of business potential, but insecurity and poor infrastructure are major concerns. These are the things discouraging many people like me from investing here.”
He also called on the Federal Government to take the issue of insecurity and infrastructure development more seriously, saying it is crucial for national growth. He explained that many Nigerians living abroad still see Nigeria as home and are willing to invest, but only if there is an enabling environment.
“There’s no place like home. That’s why we are doing this project here. I want to urge the government to fix the basic things—electricity, roads, and security—so that more people in the diaspora can invest and create jobs for our people,” Ayeyemi added.
The entrepreneur also commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his developmental efforts in the state. He particularly acknowledged the governor’s achievements in improving residents’ welfare. However, Ayeyemi appealed to the governor to repair the less than two-kilometre road leading to the hotel. He said fixing the road would not only boost his business but also help other investors and local residents along the corridor.
Ayeyemi’s comments come at a time when the government is making calls for increased diaspora investment. However, many experts and returnee investors have continued to express concern about the investment climate in Nigeria, particularly regarding safety, transportation, and reliable energy supply.
In recent years, the government has introduced several initiatives aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and encouraging Nigerians abroad to contribute to economic growth. But for investors like Ayeyemi, concrete steps must be taken to fix the basics if those efforts are to yield long-term results.
