States Court Global Investors In London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Nigeria’s sub-national governments are set to embark on a global investment drive across London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, as part of efforts to attract foreign capital and deepen intra-African trade under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The initiative, jointly anchored by Woodhall Capital and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), was announced on Friday at the Pre-Investors Forum on Intra-African Trade and Investment held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Held under the theme “Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Unlocking the Potential of African Direct Investments (ADI) and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to Drive Trade and Sustainable Growth,”the Pre-Investor Forum spotlighted how Nigeria’s subnational governments can act as anchors for regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Delivering her keynote address, the President of Woodhall Capital, Mrs. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, said the forthcoming global investment forums were designed to connect Nigerian states directly with financiers, investors, and development partners eager to participate in the country’s next phase of economic transformation.

She said the partnership with the NGF marked “a deliberate and strategic step to reposition Nigeria’s subnational governments as anchors of investment, trade, and development.”

“This forum is not merely a conversation; it is a bridge — connecting policy with capital, Nigeria with the world, and vision with measurable impact,” Hunponu-Wusu stated.

She commended the administration of President Tinubu for the bold economic reforms that have restored investor confidence, citing the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, unification of exchange rates, and the strengthening of the domestic capital markets as landmark policies driving renewed global interest in Nigeria.

“The liberalisation of the forex market and other macroeconomic reforms are catalytic policies that have redefined Nigeria’s investment landscape and positioned the country as a credible and competitive destination,” she added.

Hunponu-Wusu expressed appreciation to Afreximbank for its “instrumental role” in supporting subnational development, describing the Bank as a “cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation.”

She paid tribute to Dr. Benedict Oramah, the outgoing President of Afreximbank, for his visionary leadership and welcomed the incoming President, Dr. George Elombi, expressing confidence that the partnership would deepen under his watch.

She also commended the collaborative efforts of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation (OSSAP-IC), and the Northwest Governors’ Forum (NWGF), noting that their synergy reflects a new model of cooperation between the public and private sectors.

“This partnership shows how alignment among purpose-driven institutions can move us beyond administrative coordination to meaningful progress,” she said.

Hunponu-Wusu lauded the NGF for launching Investopedia, a digital platform providing verified, state-level investment opportunities across Nigeria. According to her, the platform will enhance transparency and make states more attractive to global investors.

In her goodwill remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s business environment and competitiveness.

She said that beyond simplifying procedures, the Council’s goal is to “build the trust that investors need to make long-term commitments,” highlighting reforms such as the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) framework and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme aimed at strengthening state-level investment attraction.

“Africa’s growth lies not only in attracting foreign investment but also in mobilising African capital for African development,” she said.

“We must continue to close the gap between policy ambition and business reality by harmonising regulations, ensuring policy consistency, and deepening public–private partnerships.”

The Pre-Investors Forum, attended by representatives of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and senior officials from Afreximbank, the diplomatic corps, and the private sector, sets the stage for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum–Woodhall Capital International Investors Forum, which will begin in London before moving to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Organisers say the global tour will allow governors to present state-specific investment portfolios directly to global investors, development finance institutions, and strategic partners.

“Together, we are shaping a new era of collaboration defined by shared vision, mutual trust, and bold action,” Hunponu-Wusu said.

“The momentum is here, the vision is clear, and the opportunities are boundless. Nigeria and Africa are open for business.”

A major highlight of the event was the formal signing of strategic MoUs and partnership agreements between Woodhall Capital and Afreximbank, including the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) Contract, which upgrades Woodhall Capital from a Market Maker Agreement to a Strategic Trade Corridor Partner, and the Creative Hub MoU between Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) and Woodhall Capital, aimed at financing Africa’s creative economy and transforming cultural assets into globally tradable investment classes.