Global interest in Nigeria’s commercial landscape has reached a new peak as the country continues its strategic push to become a $1 tn economy by 2030.
During a high-level mission to Lagos, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council underscored the country’s pivotal role in the ongoing global economic shift, noting that investors from both the Commonwealth and the Gulf are increasingly viewing Nigeria as a primary destination for sustainable investment.
Speaking during the visit, the CEO of the CWEIC, Ms Samantha Cohen, said, “Africa is booming, and Nigeria is front and centre of the big economic shift. Everyone can see the potential and the opportunity. The demand is increasing, and we have new interest from non-Commonwealth countries—including the Gulf states, who want to invest here because they see the growth.”
The visit, which focused on strengthening trade ties and institutional governance, included the announcement of “Invest in Lagos 3.0”. Scheduled for 9 to 10 June 2026, this landmark summit is expected to host hundreds of institutional investors and feature the official launch of the Lagos International Financial Centre.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the summit is designed to move beyond traditional networking, saying, “Invest Lagos 3.0 is not going to be a ceremonial gathering. It is expected to be a transaction-focused investment platform built for capital alignment and project conversion.”
The CWEIC, through its extensive network, is actively facilitating the establishment of manufacturing firms that leverage Nigeria’s rich raw material base.
Ms Cohen specifically highlighted the work of local partners in additive manufacturing: “One of our strategic partners, the Russel Smith Group, is pioneering additive manufacturing in Nigeria. It is going to be transformative for Lagos.”
The state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, noted the importance of this disciplined investment approach.
“Global capital is increasingly gravitating toward jurisdictions that demonstrate credible leadership, institutional clarity, bankable pipelines, and disciplined governance,” she said.
As Nigeria prepares for the upcoming summit and the broader international spotlight, the focus remains on building long-term, relationship-based investments that de-risk the market for international participants while creating tangible, scalable prosperity for the next generation.
By: Jide Ajia
