On May 26, 2025, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), in partnership with the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), hosted a strategic Stakeholder Forum with State Investment Promotion Agencies (SIPAs) in Benin City.
With the theme: “Strengthening Capacity, Promoting Collaboration, and Diversifying Nigeria’s Economy,” the forum brought together over 65 stakeholders from federal and state agencies, the private sector, and development institutions for a full-day dialogue on shaping Nigeria’s investment ecosystem.
KEYNOTE HIGHLIGHT
Chief Dele Kelvin Oye, President of NACCIMA and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector Network (OPSN), delivered a powerful keynote address emphasizing:
* Nigeria’s untapped investment potential in solid minerals, ICT, tourism, and agribusiness.
* The need for coordinated federal–state collaboration through empowered Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs).
* Leveraging Nigeria’s AfCFTA advantage for broader continental trade.
* Shifting focus from policy intentions to implementation and ecosystem readiness.
SPEAKERS & ENGAGEMENTS
* His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, ably represented by Barr. Musa Ikhilor, the secretary to the state government, gave the formal opening address.
* Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, spoke on the evolving role of SIPAs in economic transformation.
* Mr. John Oseji, MD of Davesther Ltd., presented on NICPS as a tool for state-level investment support.
* Mrs. Yasmin Osaghae, Country Lead at Manufacturing Africa, spotlighted opportunities in agro-processing, green manufacturing, and inclusive growth.
* Dr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, Chairman of FoSIPAN, introduced the new Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria.
ENGAGING DISCUSSIONS
* A Fireside Chat on Nigeria’s investment climate featured:
* Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO, Convention on Business Integrity
* Mr. Ugo Obi-Chukwu, Founder/CEO, Nairametrics
* Mr. Sadiq Kassim, Director, Corporate Affairs, TGI Group
* A Panel Session on SIPA institutional linkages included speakers from:
*World Bank, GIZ, UNDP, and NIPC
Moderated by Ms. Aisha Bako, MD, Onyx Investment Advisory
* The day also featured a presentation and validation of the Investment Opportunities Mapping (IOM) of Nigeria, followed by a symbolic NICPS certificate presentation to Ekiti State.
The event highlights the shared responsibility of government and the private sector in building investor-ready ecosystems, promoting accountability, and facilitating economic diversification.
NACCIMA proudly reaffirms its commitment to policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and private sector leadership in driving inclusive and sustainable development.
#NACCIMA #InvestmentForum #NIPC #SIPAForum2025 #EconomicDiversification #AfCFTA #InstitutionalCapacity #NigeriaInvests #PublicPrivatePartnerships #BeninCity #NICPS #PrivateSectorVoice #StateIPAs
