In a bid to drive economic growth and development, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun has today emphasized the need for fiscal reform and international cooperation when he delivered the country’s statement at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), holding in Sevilla, Spain. 

Speaking at a high-level roundtable on domestic public resource mobilisation, HM Edun called for a rebalancing of global finance to better reflect the realities of developing economies. He highlighted Nigeria’s reforms to improve tax administration, drive fiscal discipline, and create an enabling environment for private sector investment.

*In today’s evolving global landscape, self-reliance is essential. We are prioritising digital infrastructure, transparency, and institutional reform to deliver more for Nigerians with every naira spent,* the Minister noted. 

He also stressed the urgent need for stronger international collaboration on tax fairness and illicit financial flows, areas where African economies continue to face systemic disadvantage.

The event brought together senior officials from the United Nations, OECD, EU, and development banks, alongside finance ministers from countries including Nepal, Malawi, and Uruguay.

As the Nigerian government continues to drive economic reforms, HM Edun’s message at the UN Finance Summit underscores the country’s commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth and development for the benefit of all Nigerians

The 32nd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) provided a platform for Nigeria to showcase its economic prowess, with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, highlighting the country’s emergence as a regional hub for trade, development finance, and industrial growth.

Speaking during a high-level session of delegates from across Africa and the diaspora at the Annual Meetings in Abuja on Friday, the Minister underscored Nigeria’s partnership with Afreximbank as a model for effective collaboration between governments and development finance institutions. *We are not just participating in a summit. We are advancing a shared vision for Africa’s prosperity, with Nigeria playing a leading role in its delivery,* Edun said.

He highlighted further that Nigeria has secured over $52 billion in Afreximbank financing, with targeted interventions across energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and SME development, including the Africa Trade Centre in Abuja, the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the proposed Africa Energy Bank, with $5 billion in capital, to be headquartered in Abuja.

The Minister also pointed to Nigeria’s recent formal adoption of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), calling it a game-changer for intra-African trade and financial independence. *With PAPSS, Nigerian businesses can settle cross-border transactions in local currencies, reducing foreign exchange pressures and creating a more stable trade environment,* he stated.

HM Edun applauded the innovative leadership of Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah and urged the Nigerian private sector to leverage the full suite of Afreximbank instruments, including FEDA, AQAC, and CANEX, to expand market access and scale impact. *The enabling institutions are in place. The infrastructure is growing. Now is the moment for Nigeria’s entrepreneurs and investors to go bigger, bolder, and regional,* he added.

The 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings convened top public and private sector leaders to advance dialogue on trade integration, financing solutions, and industrial growth across Africa.

As the African economy continues to evolve, Nigeria’s emergence as a pan-African trade powerhouse positions the country for sustained growth, investment, and prosperity. With strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, Nigeria is poised to play a leading role in shaping the continent’s economic future.

The Federal Government’s commitment to economic reform and development took center stage today as the Federal Ministry of Finance held its Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement on the Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables for second quarter of 2025 in Abuja. 

This quarterly engagement is designed to foster transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage with the Ministry on its progress and challenges.

The Ministry’s efforts were highlighted in the keynote address by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who provided a comprehensive update on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables. 

He outlined progress across key reform pillars, stabilising foreign exchange markets, expanding fiscal revenues, driving industrial investment, and improving social outcomes for Nigerians.

*We are now in the third phase of our reform agenda, focused on accelerating investment-led growth that delivers jobs, reduces inflation, and lifts millions out of poverty,* the Minister said.  He added that *Our trajectory is clear: from macro-economic correction to national transformation.*

The Minister cited a substantial rise in external reserves, from under $4 billion to over $23 billion, and noted renewed investor confidence, evidenced by credit rating upgrades and major energy investments.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in delivering reform dividends: *This platform enables citizens and the private sector to hold us accountable while shaping a more responsive and transparent economy,* she said. 

She assured of the Ministry’s  dedication to delivering on its mandate through effective policy implementation and stakeholder engagement with a view to driving economic growth and development that is equitable and sustainable.

Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, added that institutional collaboration and disciplined execution remain critical to sustaining reform momentum: *We are working across ministries and agencies to ensure that reforms are not just announced, but effectively implemented with measurable impact*, he stated 

The event drew participation from industry leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners. The second quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session marked a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government’s economic objectives. With a clear roadmap for investment-led growth and a commitment to transparency and accountability, the Ministry of Finance is poised to drive meaningful progress and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.