The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Temi Popoola, has stated that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are strengthening domestic capital formation and positioning the country for deeper global investment partnerships.
Popoola made the remarks at the Nigeria–United Kingdom Investment Roundtable organised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission in collaboration with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in London.
Drawing comparisons with economies such as Indonesia, Brazil and India, Popoola noted that countries implementing structural reforms often witness increased domestic capital mobilisation and stronger corporate balance sheets.
He said Nigeria is already experiencing similar outcomes, as local investors and corporates respond positively to policy changes.
“The real test of reforms is what local capital does and how domestic corporates respond,” Popoola said. “In Nigeria today, local capital is playing a very strong role. Markets were up more than 50 per cent last year; issuers are raising new capital; retail investors are returning to the market; and corporate balance sheets and governance standards are improving.”
Popoola also emphasised the growing relationship between Nigeria’s capital market and that of the United Kingdom, noting that collaboration between the Nigerian Exchange Group and the London Stock Exchange has supported cross-border capital raising for companies in both markets.
Looking ahead, he said Nigeria’s capital market is evolving to support larger transactions and broader wealth creation opportunities for citizens, driven by ongoing modernisation and digital transformation efforts.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, highlighted the Federal Government’s reform agenda focused on restoring macroeconomic stability, improving fiscal sustainability, and attracting long-term investment.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed Lagos’ position as a leading economic hub in Africa and noted ongoing collaboration with TheCityUK to develop the state into a global financial centre. He also invited participants to the upcoming Lagos Investment Forum scheduled for June.
In her welcome remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi, said the roundtable was designed to strengthen investment partnerships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
She was joined by Lord Marland of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, who stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, investors, and private-sector players in unlocking new opportunities across the Commonwealth.
The Nigeria–United Kingdom Investment Roundtable brought together policymakers, investors, and business leaders to explore avenues for deeper economic cooperation as Nigeria continues to implement wide-ranging reforms.
