NIPC Sets Agenda For 2026 As Capital Inflows Rise

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026, anchored on rising capital inflows, deeper investor facilitation and a renewed push to convert investment commitments into real, job‑creating projects across the country.

Speaking at the third edition of the NIPC Media Parley and Meet‑and‑Greet with the press in Abuja, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission said Nigeria’s investment climate showed increasing resilience and credibility, driven by reforms, improved coordination and stronger engagement with both local and foreign investors.

He described the media as a critical partner in shaping investor confidence, noting that credible and accurate reporting plays a major role in influencing how Nigeria is perceived in global investment circles.

According to him, transparency and accountability remain central to NIPC’s operations, particularly at a time when investors are cautious and selective.

Reviewing the Commission’s performance in 2025, the NIPC boss said the first quarter of the year laid a strong foundation, with the facilitation of high‑value investment leads in agribusiness, energy and manufacturing.

He added that institutional strengthening efforts continued through the expansion of the National Investment Certification Programme for States, the administration of the Pioneer Status Incentive, improvements at the One‑Stop Investment Centre and ongoing reforms to the NIPC Act and Inclusive Business Policy framework.

He disclosed that capital importation rose to $5.2bn in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $3.4bn recorded in the same period of 2024, while over $10bn in new investment commitments were registered. Nearly 100 company incorporations were also facilitated, alongside improved visa‑on‑arrival and permit processing for investors.

According to him, the second quarter focused on consolidating gains and translating announcements into bankable projects.

During the period, $3.57bn in capital inflows was recorded, bringing total inflows for the first half of the year to $10.23bn.

The One‑Stop Investment Centre processed over 700 investor enquiries, facilitated dozens of business registrations and approved expatriate quotas to support project execution.

The Commission also granted Pioneer Status Incentives to several firms in manufacturing, ICT, agro‑processing and renewable energy, mobilising over ₦800bn in capital investments and creating more than 3,000 direct jobs.

In the third quarter, capital importation climbed further to $5.22bn, reflecting sustained investor interest despite global economic uncertainties.

The Commission recorded increased investor enquiries and a rise in business registrations, supported by the completion of upgrades to the Single Window Investment Platform aimed at improving the end‑to‑end investor experience.

The NIPC chief said the Commission also deepened global engagement during the period, participating in major international forums and facilitating investment dialogues with Brazil, Sweden and other strategic partners.

He noted that several memoranda of understanding were signed to expand project pipelines, including agreements linking Nigerian states with foreign investors.

At the subnational level, he said the Commission continued to strengthen the capacity of states to attract and retain investment, citing the establishment of a state investment promotion agency in Ebonyi State and increased interest in agriculture, dairy and livestock development aligned with national priorities.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Executive Secretary said NIPC would prioritise the rollout of the Economic Development Incentive framework, expand state‑level competitiveness, strengthen investor aftercare services and deepen digital transformation.

He added that the Commission would continue to emphasise data‑driven transparency and stronger partnerships to position Nigeria more strategically in global markets.

“Our objective is simple,” he said. “We must translate investment interest into tangible projects that create jobs, generate revenue and support Nigeria’s broader economic goals.”

Speaking at the parley, Ifeanyi Onuba, chairman of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria, commended the NIPC for strengthening its engagement with the media to promote transparency and improve Nigeria’s investment climate.

Onuba characterized the meeting as an essential opportunity for improving cooperation between journalists and the Commission.

He believes that precise and prompt reporting is essential for fostering investor confidence and establishing Nigeria as an attractive investment hub.

He reiterated CICAN’s dedication to backing the NIPC’s mission via professional reporting and encouraged journalists to leverage the engagement for exchanging ideas and strengthening partnerships focused on fostering inclusive economic growth.