Nigeria’s Bangkok Investment Pitch: Fix Risks, Not Just Sales Talks
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance Dr. Taiwo Oyedele and Minister of Industry Dr. Jumoke Oduwole will lead a delegation to Bangkok for the 2026 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, where they plan to present 23 projects worth $42.7 billion in transport, energy, agriculture and other sectors. A dedicated Finance Ministry website with a countdown clock showcases the upcoming roadshow. The IMF reported Nigeria recorded $5.9 billion of net portfolio inflow and $2.8 billion of net foreign direct investment in 2025, but FDI remains under 1 % of GDP. The article argues that short‑term portfolio money can flee quickly, while long‑term investors need credible macro‑economic policies, stable exchange rates, predictable regulation, reliable infrastructure and security—factors a polished presentation cannot create. It warns that Nigeria’s endless search for capital abroad reveals a deeper problem: investors question whether they can repatriate funds, trust the courts, enforce contracts and operate without costly work‑arounds for power, ports and internet. The piece concludes that Nigeria must make its opportunities ‘impossible to ignore’ by reducing country‑level, project‑level and operational risks through credible guarantees, local‑currency financing, transparent procurement and stronger project sponsors, rather than relying on another sales pitch. Will you invest in Nigeria if the government fixes these underlying risks, or will you wait for clearer proof of change?