NESG calls for investment in human capital, infrastructure at West Africa Economic Summit 2025

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), leading dialogue on Unlocking Trade and Investment at the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) 2025, called for investment in human capital development and infrastructure to unlock the economic potentials of the West African sub-region.

The deliberations gave impetus to driving forward the conversation on scaling exports and unlocking investment across the sub-region.

The Summit which held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, assembled regional leaders, policymakers, business executives, and development partners who deliberated on the theme “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region.”

Dr. Tayo Aduloju, Chief Executive Officer of the NESG, leading deliberations at a pivotal panel session titled “Global Competition: Scaling Exports via Industrialisation and Port Reforms,” provided bold and practical insights on strengthening Nigeria’s and West Africa’s role in global trade. He highlighted the significant infrastructure gaps across the region that continue to hinder seamless intra-African trade.

According to Aduloju, “It remains easier to trade outside the continent than within it.

“We must address infrastructure inefficiencies and align the interpretation of trade protocols across borders to unlock regional commerce and competitiveness.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NESG emphasised that beyond policies, a stronger narrative must be built around Africa’s trade and investment potential. He advocated for renewed investments in Special Economic Zones and the development of regional trade corridors, which he described as critical to industrial growth and export diversification.

In a forward-looking vision, he emphasized the importance of human capital development, noting that Nigeria’s youthful population can only become a true competitive advantage if supported with the right digital and technical skills.

“We must invest in the next generation of innovators, builders, and digital workers,” the CERO said, advocating targeted skills development as a foundation for sustainable industrialisation.

Further underscoring NESG’s strategic approach, Dr. Aduloju identified public-private partnerships (PPPs) as essential to identifying and addressing sector-specific infrastructure and industrial gaps. He encouraged the region to explore innovative financing mechanisms, including diaspora engagement, to mobilise capital for transformative growth. His remarks outlined a threefold strategy for regional competitiveness: closing infrastructure gaps, equipping human capital, and harmonising cross-border policies. These, he said, must be pursued through deliberate cooperation and coordinated action at both national and regional levels.

As a leading policy think tank, the NESG continues to play an influential role at WAES 2025, with active participation in sessions on AfCFTA implementation, investment readiness, and digital transformation. The Summit reinforces NESG’s commitment to catalyzing policy reforms that create jobs, attract investment, and position Nigeria—and West Africa—as a globally competitive economic bloc.