Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic growth prospects for 2026, projecting improved performance driven by the services sector and a potential recovery in oil production.
The bank disclosed this at its 2026 Global Market Outlook (GMO) event, which brought together over 1,200 clients and industry stakeholders across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to examine the evolving global financial landscape and its implications for Nigeria in the year ahead.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Standard Chartered said the event featured presentations from its senior executives, including Manpreet Gill, Chief Investment Officer, Africa, Middle East and Europe; Lanre Olajide, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, Nigeria; Ernest Adejumo, Head of Wealth Solutions; Uche Ugboh, Head of Treasury Markets; and Chima Eboh, Head of Affluent Banking and Branches.
The speakers provided insights into global market trends, macroeconomic shifts and wealth-building strategies, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session that offered clients practical guidance on navigating investment opportunities and risks in 2026.
Speaking on the impact of the global outlook on Nigeria, Gill said clients were advised to focus on three core strategies.
“Clients took away three key messages from the 2026 global market outlook: stay overweight equities, continue to generate attractive yields through diversified bonds, and most importantly, diversify both within equities and across asset classes given valuations and continued uncertainty,” he said.
Adejumo said the bank’s outlook underscored the importance of discipline and diversification in an increasingly complex global environment.
“While short-term volatility may persist, investors who focus on long-term fundamentals, quality assets and informed, advisory-led portfolio construction are best positioned to navigate uncertainty and seize emerging opportunities,” he said.
He added that the Global Market Outlook reinforced the need for context-driven decision-making rather than reacting to market noise, noting that understanding global themes influencing growth, inflation and interest rates enables investors to make more confident and timely investment decisions.
According to the bank, Nigeria’s GDP growth in 2026 is projected at between 4.3 and 4.4 per cent, supported largely by the services sector, particularly information and communication technology and financial services, alongside gradual recovery in the oil sector. Ongoing efforts to diversify revenue sources beyond oil are also expected to support growth.
However, the bank noted that challenges such as high inflation, fiscal pressures and persistent poverty remain, despite reforms aimed at promoting inclusive growth. Key priorities include stabilising the naira, controlling inflation through effective monetary policy, improving infrastructure and ensuring that government policies deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Standard Chartered said it remains confident in Nigeria’s long-term economic potential, stressing that sustainable reforms, infrastructure development and regional cooperation will be critical to driving growth in 2026 and beyond. The bank added that by aligning global trends with regional strengths, it is well-positioned to support clients and communities across Nigeria and Africa.
The event concluded with a networking lunch involving clients and members of the bank’s management team.
