Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria took centre stage in global economic diplomacy as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, called for deeper cooperation among developing nations amid mounting global uncertainty.
Speaking at the 2026 Technical Meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four, G-24, in Abuja, Edun warned that rising geopolitical tensions, tighter financial conditions and trade fragmentation are weighing heavily on emerging markets.
“Developing economies are being hit hardest by rising geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation,” Edun said at the G-24 Technical Working Group sessions. “This reinforces the urgency of Nigeria’s reform agenda.”
Reform Agenda in Focus
The Minister outlined the economic priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, centred on macroeconomic stabilisation, structural reforms and investment-led growth.
According to him, Nigeria is focused on boosting investor confidence, expanding private sector participation through public-private partnerships, PPPs, and raising tax revenues to 18 percent of GDP.
“For Nigeria, these reforms matter,” Edun stated. “They strengthen public finances, unlock private capital, support job creation and position the economy for sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Abuja Hosts Global Delegates
Nigeria hosted delegates from across emerging economies for the high-level talks on development finance, debt sustainability and growth.
“These discussions are taking place at a critical moment,” he said. “The outcomes will shape access to capital, public sector financing and investment flows; issues directly tied to Nigeria’s reform agenda, infrastructure delivery and job creation.”
The President Bola Tinubu-led government says hosting the meeting signals growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction and its role in pushing for a more resilient and inclusive global financial architecture.
The G-24 meeting which concluded last week is expected to culminate in coordinated positions by member countries ahead of broader multilateral engagements on global economic policy.
