Business
Nigeria’s New Trade, Investment Policies To Further Attract local, global manufacturers
Nigeria has fine – tuned its trade and investment policies to further boost both local and foreign direct investments (fdi).
Dr. Evelyn Ngige, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) discloses this during the
stakeholder’s sensitisation workshop in Abuja.
She said that the new policies which will be sustained for the next five years ( 2023 – 2027), have been approved for implementation by the Federal Government.
” The maiden Nigeria Investment Policy (NINP) and Trade Policy (NTP) documents marked the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s investment climate of our country,” she said.
Represented by the Director, Policy, Planning, Research and Strategies in the ministry, Mr. Babagana Alkal, the Permanent Secretary explained that the NInP focuses on three pillars, namely: investment promotion, investment facilitation, and sustainable development, with the objectives to develop the investment policy framework, especially fast-tracking the process of Nigeria’s economic diversification, improving investment
The policy also seeks to improve investors’ experience and confidence through ensuring compliance with global best practices, while generating inclusive domestic growth for employment generation and wealth creation.
On her part, the Director, Investment Promotion Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Gertrude Orji, said the approval came at a time when the country is making concerted efforts to achieve economic recovery and growth.
“You are all aware that before now, Nigeria did not have a single comprehensive document on Investment policy, all that was in place were Investment related laws and regulations of MDAs and agencies.
“In 2018, the immediate past Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, having realized the need for the country to have a holistic and link-based Investment policy document, approved that the Department of Investment Promotion should develop a detailed and sustainable investment policy that will provide a comprehensive roadmap for boosting domestic, regional and international investment in Nigeria,” she said.
She also explained that the process of reviewing the 2002 Trade Policy of Nigeria began in 2011, having realized the need to align with the current trend of the global and domestic economy.
She said the workshop therefore seeks to sensitize stakeholders and the general public on these two policies and their implications for the trade and investment environment in Nigeria.
Also, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, the CEO , Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), told the stakeholders that an effective investment policy plays a crucial role in promoting export growth by creating a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI).
He said these elements were critical catalysts that propels economic development which the new policy seeks to achieve.
He added, “We at the NEPC will support any policy or instrument that will positively change the trade trajectory of the nation and bring about foreign exchange earnings, job creation and economic diversification.”
Business
Tony Elumelu’s United Capital Secures approval to operate in Ethiopia
Elumeu lauded the transformational Prime Minister of Ethiopia, His Excellency @AbiyAhmedAli , for promoting economic reforms and regional cooperation, the Director General of Ethiopian Capital Market Authority @CMAEthiopia , Ms. Hana Tehelku, and the team at @UnitedCap on this landmark achievement.
United Capital Group has again secured regulatory approvals to commence operations in Ethiopia.
Its Chairman, Tony Elumelu, broke the news on Tuesday, via his official X.
” This development is particularly noteworthy because Ethiopia only recently opened its financial sector to foreign participation, making United Capital’s entry a historic step for both the company and the ongoing integration of African capital markets,” said Elumelu.
Last month, United Capital commenced operations in Rwanda, marking its formal entry into East Africa and reinforcing its ambition to build a leading continental financial services institution.
The Group’s newly established entities include United Capital Trustees Rwanda Limited, licensed to provide trusteeship services, and United Capital Financial Services Rwanda Limited, licensed to offer investment management services, including portfolio management, investment advisory, capital mobilisation, capital market advisory, and fund management solutions.
With this development, United Capital now operates in 11 countries, including Nigeria, with a strong presence in key African markets, a recent expansion into the eight countries within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region, alongside a growing footprint in East Africa.
According to Elumelu, African institutions are increasingly leading, competing, and succeeding across the continent.
For decades, Africa witnessed foreign capital flowing in while profits largely flowed out.
That narrative is beginning to change.
This is Africapitalism in action — a vision that recognizes the importance of both indigenous and international capital working together to finance Africa’s development and unlock shared prosperity.
Elumeu lauded the transformational Prime Minister of Ethiopia, His Excellency @AbiyAhmedAli , for promoting economic reforms and regional cooperation, the Director General of Ethiopian Capital Market Authority @CMAEthiopia , Ms. Hana Tehelku, and the team at @UnitedCap on this landmark achievement.
Business
Lagos developing world – class new business district —Sanwo-Olu
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was deliberately building a globally competitive economy driven by innovation, infrastructure and private-sector participation.
• Invest Lagos Summit 3.0: Secretary to the Lagos State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin (right); Member, House of Representatives, Kafilat Ogbara; Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake; Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC), Lord Jonathan Marland; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sam Egube, Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and members of the State Executives Council at the opening of Invest Lagos 3.0, themed: “Lagos – The Business Gateway to Africa”, in Lagos, yesterday.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that as part of efforts to deepen access to global capital, his administration is developing the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), envisioned as a world-class financial district that would strengthen the state’s position as a gateway for investment into Africa.
Speaking yesterday at the third edition of the Invest Lagos Summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, other governors, foreign investors, development finance institutions and business leaders, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was deliberately building a globally competitive economy driven by innovation, infrastructure and private-sector participation.
Sanwo-Olu said that the state had recorded significant economic progress in recent years through targeted reforms across transportation, digital infrastructure and industrial development.
Highlighting key infrastructure achievements, Sanwo-Olu cited investments in road networks, waterways and rail transportation, describing them as critical enablers of economic growth and investor confidence.
The governor noted that Lagos was increasingly serving as a gateway to African markets and global capital, positioning itself at the centre of continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, Lagos remains one of the continent’s most strategic economic hubs, with a population exceeding 25 million and a gross domestic product steadily approaching the $300 billion mark.
Official CBN Exchange Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1, 362.84
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 30
EURO (EUR) ₦1,574. 53
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,714. 05
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.52
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦200.99
West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.42
West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,863.83
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦302. 83
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.75
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,395 Sell ₦1,400
Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,860 Sell: ₦1, 880
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,000 Sell ₦1, 100
South African Rand (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90
UAE Dirham Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370
Chinese Yuan Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200
Ghana Cedi (GHS) Buy ₦100 Sell ₦115
West African CFA Buy ₦2,450 Sell ₦2550
Central African CFA Buy ₦2,320 Sell 2,400
Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Sources: CBN / Aboki Forex
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