NESG Seeks Policies to Unlock Trade, Investment Potential in Nigeria, West Africa

James Emejo in Abuja

The Chief Executive, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, has emphasised the need to scale up the country’s exports and unlock investments across the West African region.

Speaking at the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) 2025, with the theme, “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region”, which held over the weekend in Abuja, he shared bold and practical insights on strengthening Nigeria’s and West Africa’s role in global trade. 

Aduloju, highlighted the significant infrastructure gaps across the region that continue to hinder seamless intra-African trade, adding that “It remains easier to trade outside the continent than within it”.

Commenting during a pivotal panel session titled, “Global Competition: Scaling Exports via Industrialisation and Port Reforms,” the NESG chief executive said, “We must address infrastructure inefficiencies and align the interpretation of trade protocols across borders to unlock regional commerce and competitiveness.”

He further stressed that beyond policies, a stronger narrative must be built around Africa’s trade and investment potential, calling for renewed investments in Special Economic Zones and the development of regional trade corridors, which he described as critical to industrial growth and export diversification.

He stressed the importance of human capital development, noting that Nigeria’s youthful population can only become a true competitive advantage if supported with the right digital and technical skills. 

In a statement, Aduloju said, “We must invest in the next generation of innovators, builders, and digital workers,” advocating for targeted skills development as a foundation for sustainable industrialisation.

In addition, he underscored NESG’s strategic approach,  identifying public-private partnerships (PPPs) as essential to identifying and addressing sector-specific infrastructure and industrial gaps. 

He urged the region to explore innovative financing mechanisms, including diaspora engagement, to mobilise capital for transformative growth.

His remarks outlined a threefold strategy for regional competitiveness including closing infrastructure gaps, equipping human capital, and harmonising cross-border policies. 

These, he said, must be pursued through deliberate cooperation and coordinated action at both national and regional levels.

As a leading policy think tank, NESG continues to play an influential role at WAES 2025, with active participation in sessions on AfCFTA implementation, investment readiness, and digital transformation. 

The Summit reinforces the group’s commitment to catalysing policy reforms that create jobs, attract investment, and position Nigeria—and West Africa—as a globally competitive economic bloc.