The United Capital Infrastructure Fund has emphasised the importance of long-term, naira-denominated capital in addressing Nigeria’s growing infrastructure financing needs.
According to credit rating agencies such as Agusto & Co., the African Development Bank, and various government-linked analyses, Nigeria requires around $100 billion per year to bridge its infrastructure deficit, covering hard infrastructure like power, transport, water, and roads.
In a statement on Tuesday, speaking on the fund’s role in achieving this goal, the Group Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Plc, Peter Ashade, said, “We believe long-term, naira-denominated capital is essential for Nigeria’s infrastructure development, and UCIF is our Group’s response to bridging this gap.
“Demand for our solutions continues to grow each year, and we remain focused on mobilising long-term capital for key infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and create lasting value for investors, while investing in sectors that positively improve lives and communities across Nigeria and Africa.”
UCIF, an infrastructure debt fund licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, delivered a gross return of 24.62% in 2025 and recorded total income of ₦3.06 billion, reflecting strong investor demand and the growing role of private capital in critical infrastructure projects.
The fund has also strengthened its governance framework and maintained a zero non-performing loan portfolio, highlighting its commitment to both financial sustainability and social impact.
UCIF, an infrastructure debt fund licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, delivered a gross return of 24.62% in 2025 and recorded total income of ₦3.06 billion, reflecting strong investor demand and the growing role of private capital in critical infrastructure projects.
The fund has also strengthened its governance framework and maintained a zero non-performing loan portfolio, highlighting its commitment to both financial sustainability and social impact.
Commenting on the fund’s performance, the Chief Investment Officer and Fund Manager at UCIF, Uchenna Mkparu, said it reported a strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, delivering a gross return of 24.62% and outperforming comparable market instruments.
According to Mkparu, the fund recorded total income of ₦3.06 billion in 2025, representing a 54.5% year-on-year increase, driven by the performance of its diversified infrastructure loan portfolio.
The growth reflects the increasing role of private capital in financing critical infrastructure projects across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He noted that the fund remains focused on financing infrastructure assets with predictable and sustainable cash flows, while building a resilient and diversified portfolio that delivers competitive returns to investors and supports infrastructure development.
Mkparu added that the fund continues to prioritise sustainability-focused investments, including projects that reduce carbon emissions, expand access to reliable energy, promote circular economy practices, and deliver measurable social impact.
By: Gilbert Ekugbe
