2
High Chief Royal Ifechukwu Asianya is the Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Royal C. Investment Company (Nigeria) Limited. In this interview with PERCY ONYEJEKWE, he speaks on his early business struggles, Federal Government policies on Nigeria’s business environment, the youths among other issues. Excerpts:
How did you venture into business?
I started my business as a trainee at Nkwo Nnewi spare parts market under one Mr. John. In 1993, I served an apprenticeship under Basil Obinna, a native of Mbaise of Imo State at Nkwo Nnewi Spare parts market.
We started importing spare parts with Emmagon (Nigeria) Limited. After some years, I ventured into importing fairly used motorcycles from Taiwan with the help of Chief Cletus Ibeto, who stood by me and served as my guarantor through his bank, the Ibeto Community Bank.
The business flourished and expanded. When the Taiwan fairly used motorcycle parts business collapsed in 2003, I ventured into importation of fairly used cars and trucks from Asia, U.S.A. and other countries. After spending some years on that, I went into fairly used buses. Currently, Royal C. Investment Company is the leading company on importation of fairly used buses.
Take a look at the Nigerian business environment. What have you to say?
The Nigeria business environment has always been promising. In those days it was analog and things were okay. But today, it is a digital business world. We have gone digital and people can see what you are doing from any part of the globe. It has aided business.
The Nigerian business environment is said to be discouraging to investors. What is your view on this?
It is my view that a positive Federal Government policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should enhance economic growth in Nigeria. A conducive business environment will aid economic growth. Nigeria has a promising business environment.
Nigeria’s business environment appears a bit hard due to some stringent government policies.
But, the Federal Government may still initiate more positive policies that would encourage business and investment in Nigeria. However, in the absence of any other alternative, we have to move on with the change.
What areas, specifically, would you advise the Federal Government to tackle in order to ensure business growth and economic enhancement in Nigeria?
Taxes, the Federal Government should review its tax policies to encourage investors, industrial production of goods to encourage businesses in the country.
I think the government is doing its best to salvage the country from economic woes.
Another thing of primary importance is electricity. Power and energy should also be of primary concern of the government. We can’t deemphasise its importance in production. Secondly, good road network is vital in commerce. I believe President Tinibu and the Federal Government are working hard to fix things.
What has been the response to your philanthropic gestures in and outside Anambra?
The response has been positive. It is the people that would say a person has done well or is doing well. At times, to prove what they say they honour one with awards. I have been honoured with many awards by individuals and organizations. Some of them include Champion Newspaper Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2024/25, and 2025/26, Auto Dealers Most Outstanding Dealer of The Year Award 2025.
His Royal Highness Kenneth O.N. Orizu 111 on December 28, 2025 conferred on you the Mmilinezolu Ora Nnewi chieftaincy recently. What led to that at this time?
Igwe K.O.N Orizu 111 and the Nnewi people don’t just confer chieftaincy titles on any comers.
The honour came because of my numerous contributions towards community development in Nnewi and other places.
I have awarded scholarships to indigents, constructed roads, donated to charity and churches in Anambra and Lagos states. And we are not going to stop doing charitable work for humanity.
I dedicate the honour and awards to God, the less privileged and my great grandfather, Ezeagha, the famous and strongest monarch that ruled Nnewi. Ezeagha was a famous ruler of Nnewi that I so much cherish.
What does the chieftaincy title, Mmilinezolu Ora Nnewi, conferred on you mean to you?
To me, the honour is a call for more work, more effort at serving humanity and God. When God blesses you, it is good to extend the blessing to others. It gladdens my heart that people recognize my good work in the community, Nigeria and outside Nigeria. So, I am glad that many people can testify to my kind gesture.
Regarding the get rich quick syndrome and the lifestyle of youths of today, what is your advice to the Nigerian youth?
I would advise the youths to cultivate the attitude of hard work. Hard work, truthfulness, honesty, consistency are the only keys to success.
Read the full article here
