Global Investors, Diaspora Leaders Affirm Nigeria’s Economic Resurgence at Nasdaq Forum
By Patience Ikpeme
A panel of prominent global investors, diaspora leaders, and financial experts, including Joyce Chang of JPMorgan Chase, Jason Rekate of Citi, Razia Khan of Standard Chartered, and Ahmad Zuaiter of Jadara Capital Partners, collectively affirmed Nigeria’s significant economic rebound.
The panelists pointed to the nation’s strengthened economic fundamentals, improved governance structures, and clearly defined policy direction as key factors attracting renewed interest from international investors.
The discussion, titled “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change,” took place at a high-profile global forum hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York. This event occurred just days before the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) Spring meetings, providing a significant platform for Nigeria to showcase its reform agenda to the global financial community.
The forum also highlighted Nigeria’s extensive global network through the participation of distinguished diaspora members Mr. Robert Agbede, Prof. Melvin Ayogu, and Dr. Aloysius Ordu, all serving on the CBN Board and Monetary Policy Committee. Their presence underscored CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s commitment to leveraging the expertise and insights of Nigerians living abroad.
This gathering went beyond the typical investment forum format by fostering genuine dialogue between Nigeria’s financial leadership and a diverse group of global investors, influential Nigerian diaspora members, and corporate leaders. Through transparent assessments of the progress achieved and candid discussions about future challenges, the forum aimed to establish a solid foundation for lasting partnerships and substantial long-term capital inflows into Nigeria.
The central objective of the forum was singular: to re-establish the CBN as a symbol of credibility and excellence, earning both global respect and domestic trust, thereby propelling Nigeria’s advancement in the global economy.
Earlier in the forum, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso presented his ambitious reform blueprint, which has already begun to reshape Nigeria’s financial landscape. Key elements of this blueprint include decisive monetary tightening measures, the implementation of revolutionary transparency in the foreign exchange market, and the strengthening of financial governance frameworks. “These reforms aren’t merely policy adjustments,” Governor Cardoso stated, “but foundational pillars rebuilding Nigeria’s economic architecture for generations to come.”
With unwavering conviction, Governor Cardoso conveyed the CBN’s resolute determination to restore confidence in the market. “We inherited a crisis of confidence but chose a different path. We’re not turning back,” he asserted, signaling Nigeria’s firm commitment to financial orthodoxy and stability.
During a fireside chat with Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Robinson, Governor Cardoso articulated his ambitious mission to transform the CBN into a world-class institution that commands respect on the global stage while delivering excellence in its domestic operations.
Further reinforcing this narrative of economic renewal, Deputy Governor Muhammad Sani Abdullahi presented compelling evidence of Nigeria’s economic revival. He pointed to the significant surge in foreign exchange turnover, promising indicators of disinflation, and the strengthening of the nation’s external reserves. “We’re witnessing the green shoots of recovery,” Deputy Governor Abdullahi remarked. “With our market-determined exchange rate and transparent, rules-based policy framework, international confidence in Nigeria’s economy is unmistakably returning.”
