Business Summit Group: Nigeria can attract over $100bn through investment-ready projects

The Business Summit Group says Nigeria could attract more than $100 billion in investments by offering international investors properly structured, investment-ready projects.

Haider Uzzaman, president of the Business Summit Group, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at a press conference to announce the International Investors Summit, Nigeria, 2026.

The summit is scheduled for November 10 and 11 at the Grand Ballroom of the Abuja Continental Hotel, with registration now open to organisations, state governments, investment promotion agencies and other relevant institutions.

Uzzaman said the event would bring together international investors, global business leaders, government representatives and project owners from more than 50 countries.

He said the focus would be on connecting investors with viable Nigerian projects rather than organising another business gathering without tangible outcomes.

“Our ambition for the International Investors Summit Nigeria 2026 is bold. We are targeting the mobilisation of more than US$100 billion in investment opportunities and commitments across a broad range of sectors,” he said.

‘INVESTORS WANT PROJECTS THAT ARE READY TO GO’

Uzzaman said the targeted opportunities would cover oil and gas, green and renewable energy, technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, agriculture and agro-processing.

Others include mining, infrastructure, human resources development and education, as well as other strategic sectors of the Nigerian and African economies.

He said Nigerian companies and state governments seeking foreign investment must ensure that their projects were properly structured and supported by the necessary documentation.

“If you have a project that is properly structured, has a viable business model, the necessary documentation and a clear pathway to implementation, you will have a much stronger opportunity to engage investors,” he said.

“In simple terms, investors want projects that are ‘ready to go’.”

According to him, investors need to understand the market, assess the risks, determine the financial potential and establish a clear path towards implementation before committing capital.

‘PLATEAU SECURED OVER $1BN COMMITMENTS’

Uzzaman cited Plateau state as an example of what could be achieved when governments present credible investment opportunities and engage directly with investors.

He said 25 Nigerian companies and state representatives participated in last year’s Business Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, including a five-member delegation from Plateau state.

According to him, Plateau has secured investment commitments valued at more than $1 billion in the six months since the summit.

“We are very encouraged by this development. It demonstrates what can happen when government presents credible opportunities and investors are given the opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers and project owners,” he said.

Uzzaman also announced that Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau state governor, appointed him as special adviser on investment following their engagement at the summit.

SUMMIT TARGETS INVESTORS FROM 50 COUNTRIES

Uzzaman said the International Investors Summit is expected to attract investors and business owners from more than 50 countries across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other regions.

He listed the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Australia among the countries and regions targeted.

Uzzaman said the summit would provide a platform for Nigerian and African businesses to engage international investors directly on their projects.

He said Nigeria remained an attractive investment destination because of its natural resources, human capital and strategic position within Africa.

The president of the summit said opportunities existed across energy, agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, education and the digital economy.

“Nigeria does not need to be introduced to the world as a country without opportunities. The opportunities are already here,” he said.

“What is required is to organise those opportunities, present them properly, connect them with the right investors and ensure that investment can move from conversation to implementation.”

Uzzaman added that the summit’s broader objective was to establish a sustainable investment bridge between Nigeria, Africa and the global investment community.