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In a bold affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to economic reform, institutional revitalization, and global partnerships, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with J.P. Morgan and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), recently hosted a landmark global investment forum at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City.
The event, held ahead of the 2025 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, was more than a networking opportunity—it served as a strong declaration of Nigeria’s economic intent and strategic recalibration.
Under the theme “The Nigeria Investment Agenda: Pathways for Growth & Global Partnerships,” the forum highlighted a renewed vision for economic transformation, resilience, and global re-engagement. It convened an influential mix of global investors, Nigerian diaspora leaders, financial powerhouses, and policymakers, reflecting Nigeria’s determination to reshape its economic narrative through reform-driven strategies.
Central to the event was CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who outlined the institution’s reform agenda over the past 18 months. Key initiatives—including the liberalization of the foreign exchange market, monetary policy tightening, enhanced regulatory compliance, and greater transparency—are designed to stabilize macroeconomic fundamentals and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
The decision to host the forum at Nasdaq, a global financial hub, symbolized Nigeria’s readiness to reconnect with international capital markets with transparency, credibility, and strategic intent. It was a platform to present Nigeria’s reform progress, address ongoing challenges, and build enduring partnerships with the global investment community.
Deputy Governor Muhammad Sani Abdullahi further emphasized Nigeria’s improving economic fundamentals, citing increased foreign exchange turnover, early disinflationary trends, and strengthened foreign reserves. These signs of recovery, alongside a market-driven exchange rate and regulatory framework enhancements, point to a gradual restoration of investor confidence, critical for sustained capital inflows and economic resilience.
A key panel session, “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change,” featured prominent international finance experts including Joyce Chang (J.P. Morgan), Jason Rekate (Citi), Razia Khan (Standard Chartered), and Ahmad Zuaiter (Jadara Capital Partners). Their collective insights reinforced the view that Nigeria, once perceived as a high-risk frontier, is now positioning itself as an emerging investment destination—contingent on sustained policy reforms and regulatory consistency.
Governor Cardoso’s fireside chat with economist Dr. James Robinson further deepened discussions around institutional reform and leadership credibility. Cardoso’s firm assertion, “We inherited a crisis of confidence, but we chose a different path. We’re not turning back,” captured the spirit of Nigeria’s new economic journey.
The forum also featured opening remarks from Nasdaq President Tal Cohen, discussions anchored by Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, and a Q&A session moderated by Temi Popoola, Group CEO of NGX. Closing remarks by Dr. Olubukola Akinniyi Akinwunmi of the CBN called for sustained international collaboration.
The active participation of influential U.S.-based Nigerian diaspora leaders, including Robert Agbede, Professor Melvin Ayogu, and Dr. Aloysius Ordu, demonstrated the CBN’s strategic focus on leveraging global Nigerian expertise for economic reinvention.
For Nigeria, the forum represents more than just a capital-raising effort—it underscores the repositioning of its financial institutions as credible, trustworthy actors on the global stage. For the CBN, it reflects a deliberate repositioning anchored in regulatory compliance, institutional transparency, and international best practices.
As Nigeria continues to align its domestic reforms with global investment flows, such strategic engagements could unlock significant economic potential, paving the way for a resilient, inclusive, and investor-friendly growth trajectory.
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