Nigeria Showcases Economic Reforms to Global Investors at Nasdaq MarketSite
Nigeria’s top financial authorities recently made a strategic move to attract global investment by highlighting the country’s reform-driven economic trajectory at a high-profile forum held at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York on April 17, 2025.
The event, a collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), JPMorgan, and the African Private Capital Association (AVCA), brought together key players from the Nigerian diaspora, global institutional investors, and international corporate leaders for a deep dive into Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape and its readiness to absorb global capital for sustainable development.
Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso engaged in a fireside discussion with Nobel laureate and economist Dr. James Robinson. Cardoso outlined the CBN’s approach to monetary policy, economic stability, and financial market reforms, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to transparent, disciplined policy-making to restore investor confidence and create a more predictable market environment. He expressed determination by stating, “We inherited a crisis of confidence, but we chose a different path. We’re not turning back,” receiving applause from the audience comprising policymakers, economists, and private sector leaders.
Cardoso also emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulatory institutions like the CBN, market operators such as NGX Group, and the Nigerian diaspora in building a robust financial architecture and attracting long-term investment.
The forum also included a detailed presentation by Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor for Economic Policy at the CBN, who delved into the country’s financial sector reforms and recent foreign exchange policy adjustments. A panel session titled “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change” featured participants from JPMorgan Chase, Standard Chartered, Citi, and Jadara Capital Partners.
Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and CEO of NGX Group, moderated the panel and highlighted how Nigeria’s economic reforms are reshaping investor sentiment. Popoola stated, “Today’s dialogue marks a pivotal step in reshaping global perceptions of Nigeria’s investment story. The candid engagement between policymakers, market operators, and investors reflects the real progress Nigeria is making. NGX Group remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen market structures, drive innovation, and accelerate economic growth.”
While attendees expressed optimism, investors emphasized the importance of consistent foreign exchange policy, reducing transaction costs and regulatory complexities, and reforming non-oil revenue generation. They also called for clearer fiscal and monetary communication and improvements in the overall business environment.
The event concluded positively, with participants showing renewed confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda and its potential for deeper integration into global capital markets, as long as the current momentum is sustained.
