The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has warned that Nigeria’s current level of investment is not sufficient to create the jobs, improve productivity and deliver the broad-based economic prosperity needed by the country’s rapidly growing population.
The group made the disclosure ahead of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit scheduled for October 26 and 27, 2026, in Abuja. According to the NESG, Nigeria needs significantly more productive investment in businesses, infrastructure, industries, technology and human capital to translate recent economic reforms into stronger growth and employment.
The NESG identified infrastructure deficits, limited access to long-term financing, regulatory uncertainty and high business costs as some of the factors that have continued to discourage productive investment.
It said recent reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving fiscal sustainability and restoring investor confidence were necessary, but argued that the next challenge is ensuring that capital flows into sectors capable of expanding businesses and creating jobs.
Under the summit’s “Invest Nigeria” focus, stakeholders are expected to examine ways to attract domestic and foreign investment into agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, energy, mining, logistics and the creative economy.
The group also highlighted the importance of supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through better access to finance, reduced regulatory barriers and improved business conditions.
The NESG further called for greater investment in education, healthcare, digital literacy, vocational training and workforce development, noting that Nigeria’s young population will require skills that match the changing demands of the labour market.
The 2026 summit will bring together government officials, businesses, financial institutions, academics and development organisations to discuss how investment can be used to strengthen productivity, expand employment and support long-term economic growth.
