At a high-level summit held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, prominent Nigerian leaders and stakeholders underscored the nation’s vast investment potential and called for stronger public-private partnerships to drive sustainable development.
Among the dignitaries were the Emir of Kano, His Eminence Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State; Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, First Lady of Niger State and representative of the Spouses of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (SNGF); Her Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke, First Lady of Osun State; Her Excellency Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, First Lady of Katsina State; and Her Excellency Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, First Lady of Zamfara State.
The gathering, themed “Mobilizing Investments for Economic Growth and Cultural Exchange,” brought together policymakers, investors, and diaspora professionals at the Henry George School of Social Science Auditorium in Manhattan. The event was jointly organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Newday International (publishers of US African Eye), Nigerian Progressive Professionals in the Diaspora, and APC USA/CDC.
Discussions centered on investment opportunities across vital sectors—oil and gas, aviation, technology, agriculture, energy, waterways, maritime, rail transportation, power, and real estate—while also highlighting cultural exchange as a tool for strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Her Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke stressed the importance of gender-focused initiatives, saying:“Through great Initiative, we empower women and children via education, health, and agriculture programs. Strategic investments will amplify these efforts, breaking gender biases to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and foster sustainable development for all.”
Technology and real estate were spotlighted as key growth drivers. Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director General of NBTI (represented by Hon. Tunde Doherty, APC UK & CDC Chairman), emphasized the role of technology incubation in spurring innovation across sectors. Similarly, Prof. Tai Balofin, President/CEO of Newday International and APC USA Chairman, highlighted real estate’s potential to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate long-term growth.
One highlight of the summit was the unveiling of “Two Years of Bold Leadership & Lasting Change: The Tinubu Effect,” a book documenting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform-driven achievements, including a dramatic surge in FDI in Nigeria’s digital economy—from $22 million in Q1 2023 to $191 million in Q1 2024.
Concrete outcomes from the summit included pledges of investment in renewable energy, technology, real estate, and agriculture, alongside new frameworks for public-private sector collaboration. Vendors also showcased innovative products and services, while African and American artists delivered vibrant cultural performances, reinforcing the summit’s theme of collaboration and exchange.
Hajiya Hauwa Haliru, CEO of the SNGF, facilitated sessions emphasizing inclusive growth, particularly women’s role in economic advancement through entrepreneurship, education, and policy reform.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Prof. Balofin remarked:“This summit has laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s economic transformation. By mobilizing investors and fostering cultural exchange, we are building bridges for sustainable development and shared prosperity.”
Organizers expressed gratitude to partners including Vivid Mortgages for supporting the event, which they said reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to emerge as a global investment hub.
