The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy, seeking a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) to boost investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable national development.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the NESG led by the Vice-Chairperson of its Conference Organising Committee, Ms. Cecilia Akintomide.
The delegation briefed the Minister on preparations for the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit scheduled for October 25 to 27, 2026, with the theme, “Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity.” They also sought the Ministry’s support in attracting high-level international participation, advancing the Rising Together Initiative, and fostering collaboration on a proposed Africa Economic Summit.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended NESG for its consistent contributions to Nigeria’s economic policy development, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing economic diplomacy in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that Nigeria’s refined 4-Ds foreign policy framework prioritises citizens’ welfare by leveraging diplomacy to attract foreign direct investment, promote inclusive growth, and generate employment opportunities.
While acknowledging that recent economic reforms have improved macroeconomic stability, the Minister stressed the need to translate such gains into tangible benefits for Nigerians. He highlighted the importance of policy dialogue, innovation, investment promotion, and stronger public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
On energy transition, Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a balanced approach that supports renewable energy and climate finance while protecting the country’s strategic position as a major oil producer.
He assured the NESG delegation of the Ministry’s full support for the forthcoming summit, including facilitating engagement with foreign leaders, diplomats, and international partners.
He also welcomed the proposal for an Africa Economic Summit and encouraged the institutionalisation of collaboration between the Ministry and NESG, particularly through its Economic, Trade and Investment Department.
The meeting also underscored the need for closer coordination among key government institutions such as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure a unified approach to investment promotion.
READ ALSO: MURIC Hails Hasan Fajimite’s for Emerging MULAN President, Calls Him ‘SAN of the Ummah’
The NESG delegation presented the Minister with a publication documenting the history of the Nigerian Economic Summit and invited him to participate in the upcoming Gender Summit scheduled for September 2026 in Abuja.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation, enhance investment inflows, and achieve sustainable development goals.
About The Author
