NGF launches investopedia to attract global investment in Nigeria
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has officially launched Investopedia, a new investment platform aimed at attracting capital, generating job opportunities, and enhancing infrastructure development throughout the country.
At the unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasized the importance of utilizing both global and African capital financing opportunities.
“We need to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for investors and promote inclusive growth,” he stated through the representation of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Highlighting the challenges Nigeria faces, AbdulRazaq noted, “Over the last decade, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have averaged only $2 billion annually, less than 0.5% of GDP, and concentrated in a few sectors.”
He pointed out that the country is contending with an annual infrastructure financing gap of $100 billion, which public projects alone cannot fill. “The NGF Investopedia is a one-stop entry point that shows investors not only where to invest, but how to invest with confidence,” he asserted.
The NGF Investopedia, a biennial publication, will feature key projects across various sectors, provide market insights, and highlight investment incentives. It will be available in both print and digital formats and promoted at international events such as the UN General Assembly and the Africa Investment Forum.
AbdulRazaq also emphasized the potential of investments in sectors like agro-processing, renewable energy, ICT, and finance, stating these areas would offer benefits beyond mere financial returns, including job creation and sustainable development.
To further support the initiative, the NGF Fund, backed by institutions like the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria, aims to mobilize additional capital for state-level projects.
NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu described the launch as a “new dawn” for Nigeria’s investment readiness at the subnational level. He explained, “By curating bankable pipelines of projects across all 36 states, Investopedia consolidates credible opportunities into one transparent gateway for investors, with institutional oversight and global visibility.”
International partners expressed their support as well. Peter Olowononi, Afrexim Bank’s Head of Client Relations for Anglophone West Africa, called Investopedia a “catalytic tool” to connect global investors with credible state-led projects. Additionally, U.S. Embassy Economic Counsellor Christine Harbaugh pledged U.S. support for the initiative, emphasizing the mission’s commitment to improving trade, transparency, and governance while enhancing Nigeria’s subnational economies.
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as Deputy Governors Umar Usman Kadafur (Borno) and Aminu Usman (Jigawa).
Source: PUNCH
