The Federal Government is preparing to issue a Vienna-listed bond as part of efforts to attract more foreign capital into Nigeria and finance investments across key sectors of the economy. The move is expected to create a new channel for Austrian and other European investors to participate in Nigeria’s growing investment opportunities.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed the plan while addressing the GPF Global Vienna Meeting in Vienna, Austria, via video message. He said the Federal Government, through collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, Austrian officials and the Austrian Stock Exchange, had established ESME Limited, a special purpose vehicle designed to mobilise funding for investments in Nigeria.
According to Bagudu, ESME Limited will issue bonds on the Viennese stock market to support investments by Austrian and other foreign companies in sectors including green technology, waste-to-energy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and water. The company’s board includes representatives of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and Austrian businessmen, reflecting the partnership behind the proposed financing structure.
The minister said attracting foreign capital is critical to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He also highlighted the government’s economic reforms, including efforts to improve foreign exchange market stability and strengthen macroeconomic predictability, arguing that these measures have helped create a more attractive environment for investors. Bagudu further urged Austrian businesses to consider Nigeria, pointing to the country’s large consumer market and investment opportunities.
The proposed bond comes amid increased foreign interest in Nigerian financial assets. Nigeria recorded $10.37 billion in capital importation in the first quarter of 2026, with portfolio investment accounting for the overwhelming majority of inflows, while foreign direct investment remained relatively low. Against this backdrop, the Vienna-listed bond could provide another route for foreign investors to finance Nigerian businesses and infrastructure while deepening economic ties between Nigeria and Austria.
source: nairametrics
