Nigeria’s push to attract more foreign investment received a major boost as diplomats, state commissioners, development partners and business leaders converged in Abuja for the Trade Commissioners Summit 2.0, with a strong call for states to embrace subnational diplomacy and compete for global investments.
The summit, held at the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja, was co-hosted by Globalafri Diplomat and Afreximbank, bringing together commercial attachés, commissioners of commerce, captains of industry and international development partners to strengthen trade and investment ties between Nigeria’s states and the global community.
During a presentation on digital trade and cross-border commerce, Al Amin Ishaq and Ugonna Nwankwo showcased Afreximbank’s African Trade Gateway, describing it as a digital platform designed to connect businesses, facilitate trade financing and enhance Africa’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller M.M. Nuhu of the Trade Facilitation Unit commended the organisers for creating a platform that promotes dialogue among key stakeholders.
“At a time when nations are increasingly interconnected through trade and commerce, forums such as this provide valuable opportunities for dialogue, partnership and the exchange of ideas that can drive sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Speaking on opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector, the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah S. Nkom, represented by Barr. Yakubu Yahuza Muri, said state governments have a critical role in attracting mining investments through improved security, infrastructure, workforce development and ease of doing business.
He stressed that investors now assess the competitiveness of individual states before committing their resources.
“The states that provide ease of doing business, infrastructure readiness, skilled labour, community stability and policy consistency become choice destinations for investors,” he said.
He added that although mineral titles remain under the control of the Federal Government, states are responsible for creating an environment that transforms mineral resources into jobs, industrial growth and sustainable prosperity.
A fireside discussion led by Olawale Aro, Managing Partner of BlueGrid Advisory, also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to maximise the gains of ongoing electricity sector reforms.
The summit equally featured a panel discussion on digital trade and e-commerce with Akinbulejo Onabolu of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Okhae Enahoro, Chief Executive Officer of GIG Mobility, and Afreximbank’s Al Amin Ishaq.
The panelists agreed that expanding digital infrastructure and cross-border payment systems remains crucial, while urging policymakers to also support Africa’s vast informal sector, which they described as driving a trillion-dollar economy.
Earlier, Publisher of Globalafri Diplomat, Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord, in his keynote address titled “The Urgency of Subnational Diplomacy,” urged Nigerian states to become more visible on the global stage to unlock investment and development opportunities.
He said recent constitutional and policy reforms have created fresh opportunities for states to pursue economic development while aligning with Nigeria’s national trade and foreign policy objectives.
“There are clear indicators that the current administration is taking bold steps to return Nigeria to the days when the regions were strong,” Ajomale-McWord said.
He cited the National Regional Development Policy (2026–2030) and the establishment of additional regional development commissions as evidence of renewed commitment to balanced regional growth.
Recalling Nigeria’s economic history before the oil boom, he noted that regions prospered through commodities such as cocoa and groundnuts before excessive centralisation weakened their economic independence.
“Our states are open. Our regions are open for business,” he declared, urging diplomats and development partners to extend their engagement beyond Abuja and Lagos.
Ajomale-McWord also pledged that Globalafri Diplomat would continue promoting subnational diplomacy through sustained engagement and partnerships.
Commissioners for commerce and trade from several states also showcased investment opportunities in their respective states, pitching directly to diplomats, investors and development partners.
The summit ended with the unveiling of “Goal for Trade,” a sports diplomacy initiative that will leverage football to strengthen networking and collaboration across Africa’s international trade ecosystem.
