Nigeria Unveils $78.5bn Investment Pipeline, Demands Fairer Global Financial System at IMF-World Bank Meetings
By Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria has unveiled a US$78.5 billion investment pipeline comprising 65 bankable projects and called for a fairer global financial system that supports developing economies, as the country seeks to translate economic stability into faster growth and job creation.
The disclosure was contained in a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance following Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 17.
Led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, the Nigerian delegation presented what it described as evidence of progress from ongoing economic reforms.
The indicators highlighted included economic growth of approximately 4.4 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, four consecutive months of declining inflation, foreign reserves exceeding US$55 billion, a tax-to-GDP ratio of 12.5 per cent and public debt equivalent to 36 per cent of GDP.
A major outcome was the launch of Projects Nigeria, a portfolio of 65 bankable projects valued at approximately US$78.5 billion. The ministry said the initiative had attracted expressions of interest from Asian and European investors.
Nigeria also secured World Bank Group support for power and infrastructure development through guarantee instruments, alongside continued IMF technical assistance in fiscal governance, transparency and statistics.
The ministry further reported commitments to deepen cooperation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United States Treasury and the European Union.
Nigeria Pushes for Job-Rich Growth
Addressing the challenge of translating economic stability into opportunities for citizens, Oyedele warned that technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence, could accelerate economic growth without generating sufficient employment.
He cited World Bank estimates indicating that approximately 1.2 billion young people would enter the global labour market over the next 10 to 15 years, against an estimated 400 million jobs.
The minister urged the Bretton Woods institutions to place employment at the centre of their assessment of economic performance.
“Stability was the first test. Growth that employs our people is the second,” Oyedele said.
His remarks underscored Nigeria’s position that macroeconomic improvements must increasingly translate into productive employment, investment and better economic opportunities for its growing population.
Rejects Return to Fuel Subsidies, Multiple Exchange Rates
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s position against returning to fuel subsidies or multiple exchange rates, signalling continued commitment to the current economic reform direction.
Nigeria’s participation in the meetings also marked the conclusion of its chairmanship of the Group of 24 (G-24), during which it advanced calls for a quota-based IMF, fairer credit-rating practices and more affordable financing for developing countries.
The proposals reflect Nigeria’s broader argument that the international financial architecture should better accommodate the financing needs and development priorities of emerging and developing economies.
With the US$78.5 billion project pipeline and renewed international cooperation, the government is seeking to attract investment into critical sectors while ensuring that economic reforms deliver employment and more inclusive growth
