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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned Nigeria House at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) on Monday, hailing it as a landmark in Nigeria’s global economic engagement and a symbol of the nation’s “renewed seriousness, readiness, and resolve to take its place as an active participant in shaping global economic conversations.”
In a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President declared the opening extraordinary: “This day is extraordinary in the history of our engagements at this beautiful meeting point of global political leadership, policy thinkers, and corporate enterprise. For the first time in our nation’s history, Nigeria stands at Davos with a sovereign pavilion of its own.”
He framed Nigeria House as a bold response to history: “Nigeria House is a response to the lapses of the past. It reflects our intention. It reflects our seriousness. Above all, it advertises both our readiness and our resolve to take a front-line seat in the discourse of the global economy, not as observers, but as participants with a clear sense of purpose and place.”
While noting its whole-of-government setup—“led by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, with senior leadership across investment, foreign affairs, energy, infrastructure, technology, climate, and culture gathered under one roof”—Shettima stressed private sector vitality: “Government can open doors, create frameworks, and de-risk environments; only enterprise can animate growth, scale opportunity, and translate policy into productivity. This House will thrive to the extent that it draws life from private capital, private innovation, and private confidence.”
Tying it to reforms, he said: “Our decision to open up to the world more deliberately comes at a turning point in our economic journey. The dividends of the difficult but inevitable reforms of recent years are beginning to show.” Shettima detailed 2025 progress: Nigeria’s economy expanded by about 3.9 per cent, the fastest pace recorded in over a decade, driven largely by a resilient non-oil economy that now accounts for roughly 96 per cent of GDP. “Services, agriculture, finance, and technology are expanding, while non-oil revenues now make up nearly three-quarters of government collections, marking a structural shift away from oil dependence. Inflation, which stood above 30 per cent in late 2024, eased significantly by the end of 2025, and external buffers have improved, with foreign reserves rising above 45 billion dollars and greater stability in the foreign exchange market.”
He extended an open invitation: “Nigeria is open for business, but more importantly, Nigeria is open for collaboration.” Shettima promised dynamic exchanges: “We are here to learn from you just as much as we are here to inform you of the opportunities that await in Nigeria. Progress is not a monologue; it is a dialogue.” The VP also launched publications on investment in solid minerals, agriculture, creative, and digital sectors.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole lauded Shettima’s role: the project demonstrates a strong Public Private Partnership and reflects the rejuvenation of the Nigerian economy, showcasing a unique sense of national pride and a shift from how Nigeria engages with the rest of the world, especially the international business community.
She highlighted reforms as incentives, with playbooks advancing potentials in solid minerals, climate-sustainable agriculture, creative, and digital sectors, while rebuilding trust and positioning Nigeria as the global centre for wealth creation strategic partnership.
Solid Minerals Permanent Secretary Faruk Yano outlined Tinubu-era interventions: Nigeria House represents a deliberate action to consolidate the gains of President Tinubu’s economic transformation efforts through high level engagements targeted at attracting investments in Nigeria’s non-oil sector. He called for fair treatment for emerging markets in access to finance and secured global supply chain networks.
Lead Execution Partner Omowunmi Imoukhuede emphasized: Nigeria House represents a rare opportunity to tell stories about Nigeria’s unique investment potentials.
Preceding the launch was a Global Business Roundtable on resilient supply chains for energy transition. Those in attendance included Science and Technology Minister Kingsley Ude, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, agency heads, and industry captains.
