Nigeria’s investment promotion agency says it facilitated more than $10 billion in investment commitments in 2025, a development the Federal Government believes signals renewed investor confidence and improved competitiveness of the economy.
The commission disclosed this during a media engagement in Abuja, noting that capital importation gained strong momentum early in the year. According to the agency, inflows rose sharply to $5.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up from $3.4 billion recorded in the same period of 2024. By the end of the first half of the year, total inflows had climbed to $10.23 billion, underscoring sustained investor interest across multiple sectors of the economy.
The commission said it supported close to 100 company incorporations during the year, processed hundreds of investor inquiries, and approved several expatriate quotas to ease business operations and project execution. It also disclosed that 17 companies were granted pioneer status in the second quarter, a move that helped attract investments valued at about $809.57 billion and led to the creation of over 3,000 jobs. Additional approvals granted in the third quarter were said to have generated more than 2,400 new jobs.
Beyond headline investment figures, the agency said it made deliberate efforts to strengthen the investment environment through improved digital investment platforms, deeper engagement with state-level investment promotion agencies, and expanded international visibility through global investment forums. These measures, it said, are designed to make Nigeria more accessible to investors while shortening timelines for approvals and project take-off.
The commission also confirmed that it is preparing to transition from the current incentive regime to the Economic Development Incentive framework by January 2026, in line with the new tax law. The shift is expected to reshape how incentives are granted, with a stronger focus on measurable economic impact, job creation, and value addition.
Looking ahead, the agency said its priorities for 2026 include scaling investment facilitation, improving state competitiveness, strengthening investor aftercare, and building partnerships that convert expressions of interest into real economic outcomes. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with the media in projecting Nigeria’s investment narrative.
For small and medium-sized businesses, the reported inflows and job creation are particularly significant. Increased investment activity often translates into stronger local supply chains, subcontracting opportunities, and access to new markets for MSMEs. As foreign and domestic investors establish or expand operations, small businesses stand to benefit through service provision, logistics, manufacturing inputs, and technology adoption.
The commission said its broader strategy aligns with national efforts to attract foreign direct investment, diversify the economy, and support inclusive growth. Part of this effort includes a partnership launched in July to track business deals, investment inflows, and development finance in Nigeria, aimed at improving transparency and data availability for investors. Central to the initiative is a quarterly DealBook that will highlight publicly announced investments, helping stakeholders better understand investment trends and opportunities across the country.
As Nigeria positions itself ahead of the 2026 incentive transition, sustained investment inflows and stronger linkages with local enterprises could play a critical role in boosting productivity, job creation, and long-term economic resilience, particularly for MSMEs.
