Nigeria has officially become a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), marking a pivotal step in expanding the country’s access to international financing and development support for its private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The announcement was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy during the EBRD’s 2025 Annual Meeting in London. He described Nigeria’s admission as a key milestone in the country’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at deepening transparency, attracting investment, and driving inclusive growth.
The EBRD is renowned for its private-sector-driven approach, allocating over 80 percent of its funding to private entities across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital innovation. With Nigeria now on board, local entrepreneurs and businesses can tap into this global financial ecosystem to access not only capital but also technical expertise for scaling sustainable operations.
“This is a proud day for Nigeria,” the finance minister stated, noting that EBRD membership reinforces the country’s commitment to building a rules-based economy and boosting investor confidence.
While in London, he also held bilateral meetings with representatives from France and the United States to strengthen Nigeria’s economic ties and partnerships on the global stage. The summit, themed “Expanding Horizons, Enduring Strengths,” provided a strategic platform for Nigeria to reaffirm its reform priorities and attract new collaboration.
Nigeria’s membership in the EBRD is expected to drive foreign direct investment, empower its private sector, and accelerate the country’s long-term economic growth goals.
