The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, says economic transformation requires deliberate and sustained investment in businesses, industries and people.
The Group stated this in a statement on Sunday by its Head, Strategic Communication and Advocacy, Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, while announcing that the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit NES #32,.
It is scheduled for October 26 and 27, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, will unveil a new investment blueprint for jobs and shared prosperity.
According to the statement, the summit, themed “Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity” with sub-theme “Invest Nigeria,” will place investment at the heart of the national development conversation, focusing on how to unlock and mobilise capital at scale to accelerate economic expansion while investing in human capital.
It said: “Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey. Recent bold reforms have sought to stabilise the macroeconomic environment, improve fiscal sustainability, and restore investor confidence. While necessary, these reforms represent only the first step.”
The critical next challenge is translating stability into productive investment that expands businesses, creates jobs, raises incomes, and improves living standards for Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, the group said.
“For decades, Nigeria has faced a persistent investment gap. Infrastructure deficits, limited access to long-term finance, regulatory uncertainty, and elevated cost of doing business have constrained the country’s productive potential.
“At a time when global competition for investment capital is intensifying, Nigeria must be intentional about creating an environment where investment can thrive.
“The focus is not merely on attracting capital, but on ensuring that investment flows into sectors capable of generating broad economic value, strengthening productivity, and creating opportunities for millions of Nigerians,”NESG noted.
The Invest Nigeria agenda at NES #32 will be anchored on two mutually reinforcing pillars.
According to the statement, one pillar is investing in the economy and industries.
“This dimension focuses on strengthening investment across critical sectors where Nigeria holds significant comparative advantage – agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, energy, mining, logistics, and the creative economy.”
Unlocking these opportunities, the NESG notes, requires a coordinated effort to improve the investment climate, reduce barriers to enterprise growth, deepen capital markets, and strengthen policy frameworks that support long-term investment decisions.
“NES #32 will explore practical, actionable strategies for mobilising both domestic and foreign investment into productive sectors.
Key dialogue areas will include: Innovative infrastructure financing models;Expanding access to affordable, long-term credit for businesses;Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs);Promoting industrialisation and building competitive value chains for economic diversification and De-risking investments in priority sectors.
The statement quoted that particular attention will be given to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and Gross Domestic Product(GDP), improving access to finance, reducing regulatory burdens, and supporting business formalisation will be recognised as critical pathways for accelerating investment, enterprise growth, and employment generation.
Another pillar, according to NESG, is investing in people, which is Nigeria’s greatest asset.
“Economic growth ultimately depends on people. No nation can achieve sustainable prosperity without investing in the knowledge, health, skills, and capabilities of its citizens.
“While Nigeria has one of the world’s youngest and most dynamic populations, significant gaps remain in education outcomes, healthcare access, workforce readiness, and skills development.
“The second dimension of the Invest Nigeria agenda positions human capital development as a strategic investment priority, not a social expenditure.
“NES #32 will examine how targeted investments in education, healthcare, digital literacy, vocational training, and workforce development can improve productivity and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness,” the statement explained.
The group said a core focus will be aligning skills development with labour market demand, ensuring that young Nigerians are equipped with the competencies required by a modern and rapidly evolving global economy.
“Discussions will also explore innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and technology-enabled solutions capable of expanding access to quality human capital services at scale,” the NESG said.
The group emphasises that investment in industries and investment in people are mutually reinforcing.
It added: “Stronger businesses create jobs, generate incomes, and expand economic opportunities. A healthier, better-educated, and more skilled workforce increases productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
“Together, these investments create a virtuous cycle that drives economic growth, strengthens resilience, and expands prosperity across society. It is this cycle that defines Growth That Works — growth that is not just measured in GDP, but felt in jobs, incomes, and shared prosperity,” NESG said.
The Invest Nigeria dialogue will focus on how policy-makers, investors, businesses, development partners, and civil society can work together to accelerate investment-led growth while ensuring that the benefits are broadly shared.
