Quite a number of Nigerians have jumped on the recent investment plan announced by Coca-Cola in Nigeria.
The multinational company on Thursday pledged to make investment to the tune of $1billion in Nigeria in the next five years.
This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Zoran Bogdanovic, during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the state house.
Bogdanovic said the investment decision, which had been made three years ago but couldn’t be fulfilled due to the country’s challenging business environment, was geared towards boosting the economy of the country.
The President in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also described the development as a major win for the country, stressing the commitment of his administration to economic development.
However, this announcement has inspired a flurry of reactions from Nigerians on the social media, accusing the Tinubu-led government of sponsoring propaganda and lies.
Others berated the government for celebrating a mere “renewed pledge”, challenging Tinubu to rather ensure stable environment for businesses and investments to thrive.
See some of the responses below:
Lawenanya Okechukwu noted: “All this stories, you keep contracting yourself. They made a similar pledge 3 years ago. And you still said they have invested billions. Make una leave all this stories abeg”.
“Is my own business stable? As a Nigerian your policies are kpaiii businesses most expecially small scale”, Moses Ariyo said.
Ejetanwo remarked: “The pledge of $1b investment by Coca cola is predicated on a ‘stable environment’ which undoubtedly is missing out in this Tinubu’s govt so far. Therefore, just as was done in 2021, d same today. We are not just naysayers or doubters but people with conscience n love 4 Nigeria”.
According to Ayo Global, “This is business as usual, where multinational prioritize their own interests. A $1 billion investment, but how will it truly benefit us? Clear explanations are needed so we can hold you and them accountable. Without transparency, it’s another distraction, which we can’t afford.”
“This is business as usual, where multinational prioritize their own interests. A $1 billion investment, but how will it truly benefit us? Clear explanations are needed so we can hold you and them accountable. Without transparency, it’s another distraction, which we can’t afford”, Kenneth Onyebuchi noted.
Akin Malaolu said: “Your Govt invited them according to the hidden facts in your statement. If they couldn’t honour their pledge before, what gave your good self that impression that the microeconomics variables are now stable. Your Govt has no discipline and respect for decency in management.”
These reactions speak to the nature policies sponsored by the Tinubu-led administration and their implications for Nigerians.
The urge with which the administration announces business deals also demonstrates the toll of most of its policies on businesses of Nigerians.
