Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Anite
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has said Nigeria is once again capturing the attention and confidence of international investors, thanks to ongoing economic reforms and a more transparent policy environment.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 2025 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., Uzoka-Anite shared that foreign investors are showing renewed enthusiasm toward Nigeria’s economic direction.
> “At the investor conference, there is strong interest in the country,” she said. “Many investors were asking when Nigeria would return to the Eurobond market. That kind of interest signals confidence. When investors buy your bonds, it’s a vote of trust in your economy.”
According to the minister, Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape is stabilizing, with visible improvements in growth and investor sentiment. One of the key confidence boosters, she noted, is the freedom for investors to move capital without restrictions.
> “One major advantage for investors today is the freedom to bring in funds and repatriate them at any time without foreign exchange restrictions. That freedom boosts investor confidence.”
Uzoka-Anite also cited fresh inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), noting that both international corporations and members of the diaspora are now taking a second look at Nigeria.
> “Shell recently announced a $2 billion expansion in oil exploration. There’s also rising enthusiasm from the diaspora community and other global investors. All these are positive indicators for our economy.”
The minister described Nigeria’s engagements at the global financial meetings as impactful and encouraging, particularly in discussions with multilateral institutions and development banks.
> “Everyone is genuinely excited about the bold reforms we have implemented and the macroeconomic stability that has followed. To many observers here, it seems almost like a miracle that Nigeria could undertake multiple bold reforms within two years and begin to witness growth.”
She revealed that both the IMF and the World Bank have acknowledged Nigeria’s economic strides and applauded its reform agenda.
> “This is a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who has steered the country through tough waters and positioned us to see a clearer path ahead.”
On inflation, Uzoka-Anite announced a key milestone:
> “For the first time in over five years, inflation has fallen below 20 per cent. It means food and other essentials are becoming cheaper.”
She attributed the moderation in prices to improved foreign exchange stability and a strengthening naira, noting that many businesses have adjusted pricing due to growing market certainty.
In another bright spot, the minister revealed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves have climbed above $43 billion — a level not seen in years.
> “There are no debt obligations tied to it. This is not borrowed money. It’s a strong, stable position for the economy.”
According to her, the economic recovery is beginning to impact ordinary Nigerians as job creation increases, investment grows, and inflation eases.
> “In the short term, this will mean more job creation, greater access to capital, increased private investment, and improved social spending. The cost of doing business is expected to fall.”
She added that the Central Bank’s move to begin reducing the monetary policy rate (MPR) is a “positive signal” for further economic momentum.
The minister emphasized that social protection remains at the heart of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with policies designed to promote inclusive growth, job creation, and shared prosperity.
> “Our GDP has grown by 4.23 per cent for the first time — faster than the population growth rate. Previously, population growth always outpaced economic growth.”
She concluded with an optimistic message:
> “Now, there is renewed hope that a child born today will grow up in an economy capable of providing for their needs — through investments in social protection, healthcare, education, and food systems.”
