At a high-level summit held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, alongside Nigerian state first ladies, technocrats, and diaspora professionals, underscored the need for stronger public-private partnerships (PPP) to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.
The summit, themed “Mobilising Investments for Economic Growth and Cultural Exchange”, took place at the Henry George School of Social Science Auditorium in Manhattan.
It was organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Newday International, Nigerian Progressive Professionals in the Diaspora, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) USA/CDC.
Emir Sanusi, in his remarks, called attention to the role of private capital in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, urging collaboration between government and the private sector to sustain reforms and attract investment.
The Director General of the NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, represented by Hon. Tunde Doherty, said technology incubation remains central to innovation across key industries. “Through technology incubation, we are not only driving innovation but creating pathways for sustainable development in agriculture, energy, and other vital sectors,” he said.
Professor Tai Balofin, President/CEO of Newday International and Chairman of APC USA, focused on real estate investment as a catalyst for growth.
“Nigeria and the United States share untapped opportunities in real estate. This sector can attract foreign direct investment and open doors to sustainable partnerships,” he noted.
The First Lady of Osun State, Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke, spoke on gender inclusion in economic planning.
“Through great initiative, we empower women and children via education, health, and agriculture programs.
Strategic investments will amplify these efforts, breaking gender biases to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and foster sustainable development for all,” she said.
Other first ladies present included Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Fatima Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Zulaihat Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Huriyya Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, and Hajiya Titilola Adeleke of Osun State, all of whom linked gender equality with broader economic advancement.
A highlight of the summit was the unveiling of Two Years of Bold Leadership & Lasting Change: The Tinubu Effect, a book chronicling the reforms and achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The publication cited the increase in foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s digital economy, which rose from $22 million in Q1 2023 to $191 million in Q1 2024, as evidence of growing investor confidence.
The event also featured cultural performances by African and American artists, reinforcing cultural exchange as a tool for strengthening economic and diaspora ties.
Summit organisers said investment commitments were secured from international investors in sectors such as real estate, renewable energy, and technology. They also announced new frameworks for PPPs in oil and gas, maritime, agriculture, and aviation.
“This summit has laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s economic transformation,” Balofin added. “By mobilising investors and fostering cultural exchange, we are building bridges for sustainable development and shared prosperity.”
