The federal government has announced plans to use the maiden Nigeria Now Global Investors Expo 2026 to showcase investment opportunities for investors and youths across key sectors as Nigeria intensifies efforts to attract foreign capital and drive economic diversification.
The expo, scheduled for Abuja in November, is expected to bring together investors, development finance institutions, project developers, technology firms and government representatives to discuss potential investments in mining, power, infrastructure, manufacturing, oil and gas, and other sectors.
The minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, who spoke at the pre-event press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, said the event would provide an avenue for investors to engage with the government on projects that can support Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Represented by the director-general of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Obadiah Simon Nkom, Alake said the federal government’s support for the expo was driven by the need to attract credible investors and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors.
He noted that Nigeria’s economic reforms required increased investment in productive sectors to reduce dependence on limited revenue sources.
“Nigeria is working to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on a narrow range of revenue sources, and create more opportunities through mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment,” he said.
The minister stressed that growth in one sector depended on progress in others, noting that mining, for instance, required supporting infrastructure such as electricity, transportation networks, processing facilities and access to finance.
He said the government was focused on shifting the solid minerals sector from exporting raw materials to value addition and industrial production.
“The ministry’s approach is to move the sector from simple extraction and export of raw minerals towards a system that supports productivity, manufacturing, employment and stronger linkages with other parts of the economy,” he said.
Alake added that attracting investment would require responsible investors willing to comply with regulations, protect host communities and maintain transparent dealings with the government and stakeholders.
He said the expo would enable investors to examine available projects, understand government policies and identify areas requiring partnerships.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo, the director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr Vivian Okono, said the event would provide a platform for government institutions, investors, and businesses to coordinate efforts to leverage Nigeria’s economic opportunities.
She said the expo would bring together sectors whose activities were interconnected and required collaboration to achieve meaningful development.
Organisers of the maiden Nigeria Now Global Investors Expo 2026, EnergyNet Limited, said the initiative aims to position Nigeria as a premier investment destination by bringing together government, investors, development finance institutions, technology providers, and the private sector to unlock opportunities across key sectors.
Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet Limited, Abdoullahi Sylla, said the expo was conceived in response to Nigeria’s economic reforms and the need for a coordinated platform to attract global investment.
Sylla said President Bola Tinubu’s reforms had created momentum for a new investment narrative that would showcase Nigeria’s opportunities to the world.
“Since the arrival of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has shifted gears to address the nation’s economic priorities. Nigeria is ready for a new approach to attracting global investment,” he said.
He described the expo as an annual flagship platform that would highlight Nigeria’s investment potential and deepen collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“Nigeria Now will bring together government, investors and development partners to explore strategic projects and investment opportunities,” he said.
Sylla said the event would demonstrate Nigeria’s ability to accelerate major projects and attract global participation, adding that it would cover sectors beyond energy, including mining, infrastructure, electricity and ports.
“We will be bringing international partners, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers together. We won’t be limiting ourselves to energy alone,” he said.
He described the expo as “a national initiative and a national platform” designed to promote collaboration and practical solutions for sustainable economic growth.
Sylla also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for supporting the initiative, saying the ministry’s participation would strengthen the inaugural edition.
Beyond investment promotion, he said EnergyNet would use the event to empower young Nigerians through a Youth Energy Summit focused on expanding electrification, creating jobs and equipping young people for economic transformation.
“For Nigeria to succeed, we must demonstrate the scale of opportunity available to millions of young people over the next decade and ensure they are part of this journey,” he said.
He added that EnergyNet was working with industry leaders, government institutions, educational organisations and civil society groups to build a 100-million-strong youth network to support innovation, skills development and job creation.
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