Nigeria’s economic reforms are already showing measurable impact on domestic capital formation and global investment potential, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX), Temi Popoola, has said. Speaking at the Nigeria–United Kingdom Investment Roundtable in London, Popoola highlighted how policy reforms are strengthening corporate balance sheets and encouraging local investor participation.
Drawing parallels with emerging economies like Indonesia, Brazil, and India, Popoola noted that countries implementing structural reforms often experience significant domestic capital mobilisation. “The real test of reforms is what local capital does and how domestic corporates respond,” he said. “In Nigeria today, local capital is playing a very strong role. Markets were up more than 50% last year; issuers are raising new capital; retail investors are returning; and corporate governance is improving.”
Popoola also emphasized the growing financial collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Partnerships between NGX and the London Stock Exchange have facilitated cross-border capital raising, providing Nigerian corporates access to global funding while offering UK investors opportunities in Africa’s largest economy.
Looking forward, Popoola expressed optimism that Nigeria’s capital market will support larger transactions and broader wealth creation. “We see a future where capital markets go beyond capital raising to supporting business expansion and wealth creation for Nigerians,” he said, noting that digital transformation and market modernization are strengthening the nation’s financial ecosystem.
Other key speakers at the roundtable reinforced Nigeria’s investment potential. Finance Minister Wale Edun highlighted government reforms aimed at macroeconomic stability and long-term investment attraction, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu underlined Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading economic hub. Aisha Rimi, CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Lord Marland of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, emphasized cross-border collaboration in unlocking investment opportunities.
source: punch