President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intensified Nigeria’s economic diplomacy drive at the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, holding a series of high-level bilateral meetings focused on attracting strategic investments into critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Speaking after the engagements, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, described the President’s schedule as “eventful and highly productive,” noting that the meetings reinforced growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda.
According to Dare, President Tinubu actively participated in the forum’s plenary session alongside global financial leaders, including top executives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), business executives, and African heads of state. Discussions centered on scaling investments across Africa and unlocking growth opportunities on the continent.
Following the plenary, President Tinubu held detailed engagements with the leadership of the IFC, where discussions focused on key sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation, including energy, transportation, housing, and infrastructure development.
“The President’s engagement with the IFC leadership was strategic and solution-driven,” Dare stated. “There is strong interest in supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure expansion and energy transition efforts under this administration.”
One of the major highlights of the bilateral meetings was President Tinubu’s engagement with global ports development giant, APM Terminals, which already operates in Nigeria under an existing long-term agreement running until 2031.
During the meeting, the company announced plans to inject an additional $600 million investment into Nigeria, further strengthening confidence in the country’s maritime and logistics sector.
The President also met with international investors in the solid minerals sector, including firms with extensive operational experience across West Africa. The discussions explored opportunities for integrated investments covering mining, infrastructure, and industrial development in Nigeria.
In another significant diplomatic engagement, President Tinubu held talks with the democratically elected President of Guinea. Both leaders discussed avenues for deeper bilateral cooperation, particularly in the mining and metals sectors where Guinea possesses significant natural resource potential.
Dare disclosed that President Tinubu may undertake an official visit to Guinea in the near future following an invitation extended during the meeting.
“The horizon for partnership between Nigeria and Guinea has been significantly expanded,” he said.
“There are enormous possibilities for collaboration, especially in minerals development and broader economic cooperation.”
Addressing concerns about the direct impact of such international engagements on ordinary Nigerians, Dare explained that investment agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) typically require structured implementation phases before tangible economic outcomes emerge.
He noted that the current administration’s focus is to establish long-term frameworks capable of delivering sustainable economic growth, employment opportunities, and industrial expansion.
“When these investments materialise – and they will – Nigerians will see the benefits through job creation, increased economic activity, tax revenues, industrial growth, and infrastructure development,” Dare explained.
He further stated that several international stakeholders at the summit acknowledged the positive impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly measures aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and improving investor confidence.
“Investors repeatedly pointed to the ongoing reforms as a major reason for their renewed confidence in Nigeria,” he said. “They see a country that is stabilising and opening itself up for serious business.”
Dare described President Tinubu as a “hands-on and reform-driven leader” whose blend of corporate and governance experience continues to strengthen Nigeria’s credibility in global investment circles.
The Special Adviser also revealed that the IFC is preparing a follow-up mission to Nigeria to identify priority areas for collaboration with the federal government, particularly in power, infrastructure, and development financing.
As the Africa CEO Forum continues, the Tinubu administration is positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for investment on the continent, leveraging economic reforms and strategic diplomacy to drive long-term national development.