The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic reforms and private sector–driven growth as PepsiCo and DP World unveiled a $20 million production facility in Lagos, signalling renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the project was a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s competitiveness under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda. *This is not just about two companies. It is about what is possible when global business and Nigerian ambition come together,* Edun said. *Our reforms have restored stability, unlocked investment, and are creating the conditions for rapid, inclusive growth,* he added 

From the private sector, Ahmed El-Sheikh, PepsiCo MENAPAK President, said: *Nigeria is central to our strategy. This facility reflects our belief in the country’s future and our commitment to sustainable investment.* 

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO of DP World Sub-Saharan Africa, added: *Nigeria is a key hub for Africa’s growth. Through this partnership, we are helping to build efficient, resilient supply chains that support long-term development.*

The facility, which will produce PepsiCo’s iconic Cheetos brand using over 90% locally sourced inputs, is expected to create jobs, strengthen food security, and position Nigeria as a manufacturing and export hub within West Africa and AfCFTA.

This landmark investment is set to further boost economic growth, create new opportunities for Nigerians, and reinforce investor confidence in the country’s economy.

The fourth edition of the Gusau Ahlan tournament, ended Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa, with aplomb and fanfare. And it saw the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, was honoured with a special recognition award for his continuous support and contributions to the development of Nigerian youth, especially, in Lagos State. 

Hajji Liameed was eulogised for being ever-present at all the opening and closing ceremonies of the prestigious tournament. 

The amiable and hardworking LSFA boss, was presented with the award Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi A. Sule,with the able support of President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau. 

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, today in his office in Abuja met with a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), led by its President, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, committing to deeper collaboration aimed at shaping evidence-based economic policy.

Edun described NES as *the intellectual and statistical repository of applied economics in Nigeria,* emphasising that its research and policy recommendations are vital for guiding reforms that can unlock private sector investment and accelerate 

sustainable growth. 

He pledged the ministry’s full support for the Society’s upcoming annual conference, noting that stronger policy dialogue between government and economists would strengthen market confidence and improve economic outcomes.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya added: *The Society’s work helps shape a clearer, more accurate narrative of Nigeria’s economy, which is essential for attracting investment and sustaining reform momentum.*

Highlighting the conference theme, *Rethinking Africa’s Development: Pathways Forward,* Prof. Adenikinju outlined how leading economists, including Nobel laureate Prof. Roy Pearson will convene in Abuja to debate strategies for inclusive growth, fiscal stability, and innovation. The event will feature over 200 academic papers and engage 500 economics students, building capacity for the next generation of policy leaders.