In a historic milestone, Nigeria has been formally admitted as a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), marking a significant step towards boosting private sector access to international capital and supporting the country’s long-term economic transformation.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun led a high-level delegation to the EBRD 2025 Annual Meetings in London, where Nigeria’s accession was formalized.

 Speaking at the Board of Governors’ Plenary Session, HM Edun described Nigeria’s membership as a strategic milestone aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

*This is a proud day for Nigeria. Our accession to the EBRD marks a critical milestone in our economic reform journey. We are committed to building a transparent, rules-based economy that unlocks private investment and accelerates inclusive growth,* Edun stated.

With over 80% of its financing directed towards the private sector, the EBRD plays a pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship, SMEs, and large-scale investments across key sectors. Nigeria’s membership opens new opportunities for local businesses to access development finance and technical expertise across priority areas such as energy transition, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital innovation.

The Honourable Minister also held high-level bilateral meetings with delegations from France and the United States, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as an active and trusted partner in global economic governance.

Held under the theme *Expanding Horizons, Enduring Strengths,* the 2025 EBRD Annual Meetings brought together leaders from over 70 economies to advance dialogue on inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development.

As Nigeria embarks on this new chapter of economic cooperation with the EBRD, the country is poised to leverage the Bank’s expertise and resources to drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of its citizens. With this strategic partnership, Nigeria is set to unlock new opportunities for economic transformation, cementing its position as a key player in global economic governance

In a significant stride towards unlocking green finance and driving sustainable economic growth, the Federal Government has unveiled the Nigerian Climate Investment Platform (NCIP), a country-led initiative designed to mobilize up to $500 million in climate finance for infrastructure, resilience, and adaptation projects.

The NCIP is the result of a high-level meeting between the Honourable 

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and a high-level delegation from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), held in his office in Abuja today 

 HM Edun stated that, *NSIA has the trust and track record to lead this,* emphasizing the importance of leveraging climate finance opportunities to drive growth, boost export competitiveness, and support key sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.

*If accreditation is the last hurdle, I’m confident they’re ready. The global economic environment demands that we leverage all opportunities—climate finance included—to drive growth, boost export competitiveness, and support sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.*

The platform’s development has been a collaborative effort, with the NSIA working closely with the GCF and local stakeholders to create a structure that can attract both international and domestic capital. As Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Director-General of the NSIA, noted, *The Honourable Minister’s challenge to conceptualize and implement a credible investment platform has catalyzed this effort. We’ve worked with the GCF and local stakeholders to develop a structure that can attract both international and domestic capital.*

Speaking on behalf of the GCF, Mr. Soji Omisore added, *We currently have no standalone project focused solely on Nigeria. That needs to change. We are here to co-create a country platform that aligns with Nigeria’s climate strategy.*

Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General of the NCCC, stressed the urgency of increasing Nigeria’s access to international climate finance. *Countries far smaller than Nigeria have multiple accredited entities. That needs to change. We are pushing for the NSIA, NASRDA, and even the Ministry of Finance to pursue accreditation.*

The NCIP forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to unlock climate-linked capital and position the country as a regional leader in sustainable finance, particularly as global trade dynamics evolve and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents new growth opportunities.

With the launch of the NCIP, Nigeria is poised to take a significant step towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. By mobilizing $500 million in climate finance, the country can drive growth, support key sectors, and position itself as a leader in green economy. 

The success of this initiative will depend on the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved, but the potential benefits for Nigeria’s economy and environment are undeniable.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Wale Edun has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private-sector-led growth, as the World Bank today launched its latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) themed *Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth.*

Edun described the Bank as *a tremendous development partner,* praising its technical support and concessional financing via the International Development Association. *We’d like them to continue and to give us more of that to boost us on our way,* he said.

The Minister highlighted progress on fiscal transparency and renewed investor interest across key sectors, stating, *It is investment that grows the economy, creates high-quality jobs, and lifts Nigerians out of poverty in their millions.*

The World Bank projected 3.6% growth in 2025, citing Nigeria’s strongest economic performance in a decade, improved revenue mobilisation, and rising foreign reserves. *There is a lot to be positive about on Nigeria,* said Acting Country Director Taimur Samad, while calling for continued monetary discipline to curb inflation.

The NDU is the Bank’s flagship economic report, published twice a year to support evidence-based policymaking.

As Nigeria builds momentum for inclusive growth, the government’s commitment to private-sector-led development and the World Bank’s support underscore a promising future for the country’s economy. With sustained investment and prudent policy decisions, Nigeria is poised to unlock its vast potential and drive sustainable growth.