The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, was welcomed by Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) for a strategic meeting with the goal of using the capital markets to boost Nigeria’s economic expansion.
A ceremonial Closing Gong marked the end of the visit and represented a deeper collaboration between the public and business sectors to promote industrial development, finance for SMEs, and sustainable economic change.
Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, welcomed the Minister and praised the Ministry’s leadership in establishing policies that support economic diversification and industrialization.
Capital markets are essential for funding MSMEs, infrastructure projects, and sustainability initiatives as Nigeria moves closer to its goal of having a $1 trillion economy. Through cutting-edge platforms that improve transparency, link companies with financing, and promote inclusive economic growth, NGX Group is steadfastly dedicated to advancing this objective,” he stated.
“Capital markets are powerful engines of innovation, business expansion, and economic inclusion, all of which are essential to advancing Nigeria’s industrialization objectives,” said Ahonsi Unuigbe, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), underscoring the Exchange’s function as a catalyst for national development.
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During her speech, Dr. Oduwole emphasized how her Ministry and NGX Group are strategically aligned in supporting real-sector growth. “Our partnership reflects a coordinated strategy to leverage capital markets as game-changing venues for Nigeria’s economic growth,” she said.
In order to foster the next generation of high-growth Nigerian companies, the Minister listed several key areas of focus, such as increasing SME access to capital through NGX’s Growth Board initiatives, promoting green finance through ESG-linked products, mobilizing diaspora investment, and utilizing AfCFTA opportunities.
“We are building a next-generation exchange ecosystem designed to democratize investment opportunities, enhance market liquidity, and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for both domestic and international capital,” Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, emphasized the company’s technology-driven strategy.
Key players from the capital market ecosystem were brought together for the engagement, and they all reaffirmed their dedication to assisting the Ministry’s efforts and bolstering Nigeria’s economic stability.
The ceremonial Closing Gong confirmed the enhanced collaboration between NGX Group and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, signifying a renewed dedication to sustainable national development. Both sides promised to keep creating capital market solutions that propel Nigeria’s economic development.
