President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will co-host the global investment platform, Investopia, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos this February, in a major move to attract international investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into the country.
The President made the announcement on Tuesday at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where Nigeria also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE. The agreement is designed to deepen bilateral trade and expand cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, digital trade, aviation, agriculture, and climate-smart development.
Present at the signing ceremony were President Tinubu; UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
President Tinubu described the CEPA as a historic and strategic agreement that would unlock enduring economic opportunities for both nations and strengthen long-term partnerships across critical sectors.
He said Investopia Lagos would convene global investors, innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to convert ideas into bankable projects and commitments.
“We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” the President said.
Addressing the summit, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy transition reforms and expands electricity access nationwide.
“The foundation of every modern economy is electricity. As an emerging economy in the Global South, we understand the delicate balance between industrialisation and decarbonisation, ensuring neither is pursued at the expense of the other,” he said.
He called for reforms in the global financial architecture, urging a shift away from rigid sovereign guarantee requirements that constrain developing economies.
“Instead, the focus should be on blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms that allow private sustainable capital flows directly into our green projects without further straining national balance sheets,” Tinubu added.
The President noted that Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance framework through the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry, measures aimed at boosting transparency and investor confidence.
He highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a cornerstone of the country’s energy reforms, enabling decentralised power generation and distribution, particularly to underserved communities.
According to him, Nigeria’s climate investment strategy includes a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, alongside a $750 million World Bank-supported programme expected to expand clean electricity access to over 17.5 million Nigerians.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan, while pursuing industrial growth and universal energy access. He also invited foreign investors to partner in Nigeria’s lithium and critical minerals sector, stressing the government’s emphasis on local processing and value addition.
The President said ongoing economic reforms were yielding tangible outcomes, including a 21 per cent growth in non-oil exports and increased capital inflows.
“These reforms, alongside wider fiscal and monetary measures, are delivering results. Non-oil exports have grown by 21 per cent, supported by a more diversified product base. Capital importation has risen, and Nigeria now has over $50 billion in investment commitments across key sectors,” he said.
“We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is not only green and inclusive, but just and enduring.”
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
January 13, 2026
