New York, April 22, 2022 – Some leaders in Nigeria’s financial sector presented a unified front at the just concluded strategic investment forum hosted by the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York in the bid to boost investor confidence and woo global capital to Nigeria.
The event, held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, was organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), JPMorgan, and the African Private Capital Association (AVCA).
The gathering brought together leaders from the Nigerian diaspora, global investment institutions, and corporate executives for insightful dialogue on the country’s evolving financial landscape and its readiness to attract global capital for sustainable growth.
Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in a fireside chat with Dr. James Robinson Nobel, an economist and Nobel laureate, outlined Nigeria’s monetary policy direction, growth prospects, and efforts to deepen its financial markets.
He reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to disciplined policy management, market-friendly reforms, and enhanced transparency to foster a stable, investor-friendly environment.
Cardoso also stressed the importance of strong collaboration between regulators like the CBN and market operators such as NGX Group, describing it as critical to building a resilient financial system and mobilizing long-term investments.
The forum featured a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s financial transformation and FX reforms delivered by Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy at the CBN.
It also hosted a panel discussion on “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change,” with senior executives from JPMorgan Chase, Standard Chartered, Citi, and Jadara Capital Partners.
Temi Popoola, the Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, moderated an engaging discussion on how Nigeria’s reforms are repositioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for global capital.
“Today’s dialogue marks a pivotal step in reshaping global perceptions of Nigeria’s investment story.
“The candid engagement between policymakers, market operators, and investors reflects the real progress Nigeria is making. NGX Group remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen market structures, drive innovation, and accelerate economic growth,” Popoola said.
While investors welcomed Nigeria’s reform agenda, they emphasised that sustained confidence will require consistent FX policies, lower transaction costs, reduced regulatory friction, clearer direction on non-oil revenue reforms, an improved ease of doing business, and continued transparency in monetary and fiscal communication.
The forum ended on an optimistic note, with participants expressing strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and its potential for deeper integration into global financial markets, provided reform momentum continues. (GBN)
