President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a premier investment destination in Africa, following a high-profile meeting in Lagos with two of the country’s most prominent global investment figures, Bayo Ogunlesi and Hakeem Belo-Osagie. The discussions, which centered on unlocking large-scale capital for oil, gas, and infrastructure projects, underscored the government’s determination to pursue aggressive economic growth strategies through stronger partnerships with reputable investors.
Tinubu, in a post shared on his official X account, described the meeting as a major step in aligning government reforms with investor confidence. He revealed that the talks with Ogunlesi, Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, along with Belo-Osagie of Metis Capital, focused on the urgency of attracting foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s critical sectors. The President stressed that both parties agreed on the need to immediately accelerate funding in upstream oil and gas while advancing infrastructure development to drive long-term prosperity.
Reiterating his readiness to collaborate with international financiers and Nigerians in the diaspora, Tinubu stated that the government’s reforms are already opening new frontiers for global capital and sustainable financing. He emphasized that the goal is to achieve energy security and modern infrastructure and ensure that such developments translate into shared prosperity for the Nigerian people and position the country as a continental hub for economic opportunity.
Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has launched a series of bold reforms, including the removal of the long-standing fuel subsidy and the unification of multiple exchange rates. While these measures initially triggered social and economic challenges, the administration insists they are laying the groundwork for a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment. According to Tinubu, these reforms will continue to attract transformative projects that can reshape Nigeria’s economic future.
The Lagos meeting, featuring two investment leaders with global reach and Nigerian roots, represents the administration’s broader strategy of leveraging both local expertise and international networks to revitalize key industries. Tinubu concluded his remarks with a strong assurance that Nigeria remains open and ready for credible partnerships, signaling his ambition to push the country into the forefront of Africa’s investment landscape.
