by Ijeoma Chigbu

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, on Monday, joined financial industry stakeholders to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Chapel Hill Denham — one of Nigeria’s leading investment banking firms.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Minister commended the firm’s outstanding contribution to Nigeria’s financial landscape over the past two decades, describing Chapel Hill Denham as *Nigeria’s equivalent of Goldman Sachs* — a testament to its bold leadership, innovation, and track record in producing top-tier financial talent.

*For twenty years, Chapel Hill Denham has played a vital role in shaping our financial system — pioneering complex transactions, supporting capital market development, and building human capital that now serves across both public and private sectors,* Edun stated.

He highlighted the presence of Chapel Hill alumni in key institutions, including the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and the Federal Ministry of Finance itself, reinforcing the firm’s role as a critical pipeline for national development.

On the state of the economy, HM Edun noted that the government’s reform agenda was already delivering results — citing improved foreign exchange market liquidity, deregulated fuel pricing, and structural reforms as foundations for long-term, private-sector-led growth.

*This administration has laid the groundwork for broad-based investment,* he said. *Nigeria is open for business, and we are committed to creating a transparent, merit-driven environment that rewards innovation and unlocks productivity.*

The Minister also acknowledged Chapel Hill Denham’s contributions to landmark initiatives, including the domestic issuance of dollar-denominated bonds — an idea he credited to the firm’s CEO, Mr. Bolaji Balogun.

He concluded with a message of congratulations:

*Chapel Hill Denham has set a standard of excellence in Nigeria’s investment banking sector. Congratulations to Mr. Balogun and the entire team on this milestone. May the firm continue to thrive for generations to come*

Nigeria’s economic outlook is strengthening, with the Federal Government targeting 7% economic growth and large-scale job creation, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has announced.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 2025 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., Edun highlighted that, despite a challenging global environment marked by high debt, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, Nigeria remains firmly on the path of reform, stability, and growth.

*We are focused on creating sustainable jobs for young Nigerians, supported by investment in critical infrastructure such as digital connectivity, access to data, and fibre optic networks,* Edun stated. *By crowding in the private sector and driving domestic revenue mobilisation, we are stabilising the economy and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.*

The Minister reaffirmed that the government’s economic strategy, anchored by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is delivering results, with international partners acknowledging Nigeria’s policy direction.

*At both the IMF and the World Bank, Nigeria’s reform programme — spanning fiscal, monetary, and structural policies — has been recognised as being on the right track. Despite global uncertainty, Nigeria is poised for resilient, inclusive growth,* Edun added.

He also emphasised the government’s pragmatic approach to fiscal planning:

*A budget is a statement of intent; it must be continually recalibrated to reflect on-ground realities and available resources.*

The Central Bank Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, echoed these sentiments, noting the CBN’s firm commitment to reducing inflation sustainably:

*Inflation remains the most disruptive force against the economic welfare of Nigerians. Our focus is to bring it down to single digits over the medium term,* Cardoso said.

Highlighting growing investor confidence, Cardoso referenced Nigeria’s recent high-level investment forum at the Nasdaq Market Site in New York, showcasing the country’s reform momentum and rising interest from global investors and the diaspora.

Nigeria’s delegation to the Spring Meetings was led by Mr. Wale Edun and included:

• Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

• Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, CBN Economic Policy Directorate,

• Distinguished Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance,

• Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Finance,

• Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance,

• Mr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,

• Ms. Patience Oniha, Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO),

• Mrs. Sayande Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy,

as well as other senior government officials.

As the Federal Government deepens its reform efforts, it remains committed to building a transparent, inclusive, and prosperous economic future for all Nigerians.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has affirmed that the Federal Government is working closely with the World Bank to advance a shared agenda focused on creating high-quality jobs for young Nigerians.

Speaking to journalists in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, following the conclusion of the institution’s Development Committee Meeting, Mr. Edun noted that the Bank’s Governors — who are Finance Ministers of member countries — have collectively agreed to prioritise employment generation as a central pillar of development. This, he stated, aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places job creation at the core of economic revitalisation efforts.

*The agenda going forward centres on the critical role of multilateral financial institutions — particularly the World Bank — in shaping global development priorities,* the Minister stated. *This includes scaling up efforts to create sustainable jobs and stimulate inclusive economic growth.*

Mr. Edun emphasised that the Tinubu administration is committed to unlocking private capital to stimulate productivity, attract both local and foreign investment, and accelerate job creation across sectors.

A key component of this strategy, he said, is the rollout of digital infrastructure to support Nigeria’s growing youth population. *The idea is to empower our young people with access to the internet, data, and fibre-optic networks. This digital infrastructure will enable them to offer services online, retain talent within our borders, and actively contribute to the digital economy,* he explained.

The Minister also reiterated that job creation remains the most effective route to reducing poverty and inequality. *Creating good quality jobs is essential to addressing poverty. It is central to the President’s vision — stabilising the economy, encouraging private investment, and ensuring that our youth have opportunities at home, rather than seeking them abroad,* he added.

This collaboration between the Federal Government and the World Bank signals a unified commitment to tackling unemployment, fostering inclusive prosperity, and building a digital-ready workforce equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy.