The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, has launched Investopedia, a new investment platform aimed at positioning Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as credible investment destinations
The investment platform is designed to unlock capital, generate and boost economic growth across the country.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasised the need for Nigeria to harness both global and African capital financing opportunities.
According to Governor AbdulRazaq, the platform was specifically designed to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for investors and promote inclusive growth.
He said: “Over the last decade, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have averaged only $2 billion annually, less than 0.5% of GDP, and concentrated in a few sectors.
“Yet, Nigeria faces a $100 billion annual infrastructure financing gap. Public projects alone cannot bridge this.
“The NGF Investopedia is a one-stop entry point that shows investors not only where to invest, but how to invest with confidence.”
The Governor said the NGF Investopedia, a biennial publication, will feature major projects across sectors, provide market insights, and highlight incentives.
He added: “It will be published in print and digital formats and showcased at international platforms, including the UN General Assembly, Intra-African Trade Fair, and Africa Investment Forum.”
Governor AbdulRazaq further stated that investments in agro-processing, renewable energy, ICT and finance would deliver benefits beyond financial returns, including job creation and sustainable development in the country.
The NGF Chairman further stated that the Forum’s Fund, supported by institutions such as the Ministry of Finance (MOFI), the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would complement Investopedia by mobilizing catalytic capital for state-level projects.
He was represented at the event by Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.
Highlighting the benefits of Investopedia, the Director General of NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, described the initiative as a “new dawn” in Nigeria’s sub-national investment readiness.
According to him, “Nigeria’s annual infrastructure gap is nearly $100 billion by curating bankable pipelines of projects across all 36 States of the federation, and Investopedia will consolidate credible opportunities into one transparent gateway for investors, with institutional oversight and global visibility.”
Joint efforts
Shittu credited the platform’s development to state investment agencies, NGF technical teams, and key partners such as Afreximbank, UNDP, and the Ministry of Finance, who provided crucial data and support to ensure its readiness.
According to him, the NGF Investopedia focuses on three key objectives: simplifying investor access through project consolidation, building confidence through comprehensive due diligence, and fostering partnerships that extend beyond financing to include technical assistance, capacity-building, and risk mitigation.
Shittu emphasised that Investopedia represents a pivotal shift from merely highlighting Nigeria’s investment potential to offering actionable and bankable opportunities.
He called on CEOs, Managing Directors, and industry leaders to embrace this transformation and actively engage with Nigeria’s States, which are now fully open for business.
“Let us now engage, partner, and deliver,” Governor Abdulrazaq declared.
“With NGF Investopedia, backed by strong partnerships and the NGF Fund, we are sending a clear signal that Nigeria’s sub-nationals are open, credible, and investment-ready. Together, we can bridge the infrastructure gap and unlock a new era of prosperity for our people,” Shittu said.
Afrexim Bank’s Head of Client Relations for Anglophone West Africa, Peter Olowononi, described Investopedia as a “catalytic tool” to connect global investors with credible state-led opportunities.
US Embassy Economic Counsellor, Christine Harbaugh pledged US support for the initiative, noting that the mission is committed to enhancing trade, transparency, and governance while strengthening Nigeria’s subnational economies.