Nigeria’s investment climate recorded strong gains in 2025 as capital importation rose sharply and investor confidence deepened.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi disclosed this at a media parley, highlighting the Commission’s role in driving reforms and attracting global capital.
Rimi, who was represented by the Director of Strategic Services, Abubakar Yerima, noted that the commission “laid a strong foundation” in the first quarter of 2025.
While giving details of the Q1 2025 performance, Rimi said capital importation rose to $5.2 billion, up from $3.4 billion in Q1 2024.
According to her, “100 per cent of business registrations were processed within 48 hours.”
She said institutional strengthening remained a priority, with progress recorded in expanding the National Investment Certification Programme for States and the administration of the Pioneer Status Incentive.
“We enhanced one-stop investment centre services, advanced strategic policy reforms including updates to the NIPC Act, and strengthened the inclusive business policy framework,” Rimi stated.
On second-quarter performance, she said the focus was on consolidating gains and converting announcements into tangible projects.
“In Q2 2025, capital importation of $3.57 billion was recorded, 713 investor inquiries were processed, 71 business registrations facilitated and 186 expatriate quotas approved,”
She also said that 3,016 direct jobs were created across key sectors in the second quarter
Rimi said the third quarter further demonstrated resilience, with capital importation of $5.22 billion and increased digital efficiency following the upgrade of the Single Window Investment Platform.
“We processed 672 investor inquiries, facilitated 189 business registrations and mobilised $227.21 billion in capital expenditure, we had 2,416 direct jobs that were created” the NIPC boss stated.
She also highlighted Nigeria’s growing global visibility through engagements such as the Brazil-Nigeria Business Forum, Africa CEO Forum and BRICS-related platforms.
The NIPC boss noted that the platforms deepened investor engagement and expanded project pipelines adding that major memoranda of understanding were brokered with international partners.
Looking ahead, Rimi said the Commission is preparing to transition to the Economic Development Incentive framework by January 2026.
“Our goal is clear: to translate investment interest into real, job-creating, revenue-generating projects that support national economic objectives,” she said.
Olusola Akintonde