Nigeria’s Growth Hinges on Credible Institutions — Experts

Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory will increasingly depend on the strength of institutions capable of converting policy direction into tangible, investable opportunities, stakeholders have said.

This was stated at the unveiling of a new corporate identity by the Argentil Group in Lagos, where policymakers and private sector leaders converged to examine the country’s investment climate and the institutional frameworks required to unlock sustainable growth.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, group chief executive of SAYS Energy Group, Bolaji Osunsanya, said Nigeria’s next growth cycle would not be driven by policy pronouncements alone, but by the capacity of institutions to structure capital, build credibility, and attract long-term investment.

“Argentil is repositioning at a moment when Nigeria needs institutions that can do more than advise. It needs institutions that can help rebuild confidence,” he said.

He noted that while policy reforms remain critical, their effectiveness ultimately depends on execution mechanisms that can translate intent into bankable projects and investment pipelines.

According to him, credibility, patient capital, and trust in institutions will define whether Nigeria can fully harness emerging opportunities across key sectors of the economy.

The event, which marked Argentil’s corporate rebranding, also featured a dialogue on “Rebuilding Investor Confidence: Policy, Capital, and Nigeria’s Next Growth Cycle,” where industry leaders underscored the widening gap between policy formulation and investment realisation.

Co-founder and chairperson of Argentil Group, Adekunle Adedeji, noted that the firm’s repositioning reflects a deliberate shift towards bridging this gap by structuring capital and supporting enterprises in ways that align with broader economic objectives.

“Africa’s growth requires capital, expertise, and institutions that understand the markets they serve,” he said.

He added that the group’s renewed identity signals its ambition to play a more active role in capital allocation across sectors critical to economic development, particularly in areas where policy direction requires private sector execution.

Also speaking, senior special adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy, Sanyade Okoli, highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and private institutions, noting that public policy must be complemented by capable intermediaries to deliver measurable outcomes.

In his remarks, co-Founder and non-executive director, Olumide Ogunfowora, said the firm remains committed to strengthening the financial ecosystem through solutions that enhance inclusion, trust, and access to capital.