Nigeria Capital Inflows Hit $21bn as FG Targets Bigger Trade and Investment Gains in 2026
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost trade performance and attract stronger investment inflows as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy. Speaking at a top management retreat in Abuja, Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole said the focus has shifted from policy design to measurable economic results, with stronger accountability and execution now at the centre of the ministry’s agenda.
She revealed that Nigeria recorded about $21 billion in capital importation within the first 10 months of 2025, alongside over $6.1 billion in non-oil exports. Intra-African trade also reached about N4.82 trillion in the first half of the year. Key institutions including the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Export-Import Bank and Nigerian Export Promotion Council supported over 115,000 MSMEs with access to financing, grants and trade support during the period.
The minister added that reforms are ongoing to strengthen trade facilitation and competitiveness, including expansion of export routes through the East and Southern Africa air cargo corridor, progress on the National Single Window project, and improved intellectual property protection. She also highlighted Nigeria’s deepened commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area, including a five-year implementation review and efforts to boost digital trade and industrial efficiency.
Oduwole noted that Nigeria is advancing new bilateral and multilateral agreements such as CEPA, CIPA, and ETIP, alongside partnerships with countries like Benin Republic and Saudi Arabia. She also disclosed that the ministry’s performance score under the Central Delivery Coordination Unit has improved significantly from 30% to 75%, reflecting stronger implementation and accountability across agencies.
Looking ahead, the ministry said its 2026 priorities include expanding market access, strengthening local industries, mobilising strategic investments, and integrating digital tools such as artificial intelligence into trade systems. Nigeria will also host AfCFTA Week 2026, reinforcing its leadership role in regional trade integration, as the government pushes to create jobs, increase exports, and drive sustainable economic growth.
source: The sun