The group of the Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG) occupied the center of the stage at the Economic Summit of Western Africa (WAES) 2025, advancing the conversation about the expansion of exports and the unlocking of investment throughout the region.
Held at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja, the Summit brought together regional leaders, policy formulators, business executives and development partners under the issue, “unlocking trade and investment opportunities in the region.”
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In a panel session entitled “Global Competition: Expand exports through industrialization and port reforms”, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, Executive Director of the NESG, shared practical ideas on the strengthening of the roles of Nigeria and Western Africa in global trade.
He highlighted the important infrastructure gaps throughout the region that continue to hinder perfect intraafrican trade.
“It is still easier to trade outside the continent than within it. We must address the inefficiencies of infrastructure and align the interpretation of commercial protocols through borders to unlock regional trade and competitiveness,” said Dr. Aduloju.
Dr. Aduloju emphasized that beyond policies, a convincing narrative should be built around the commercial and investment potential of Africa. He asked for renewed investments in special economic zones and the development of regional commercial corridors, which he described as a critic for industrial growth and export diversification.
In addition, it emphasized the importance of human capital development, noting that the Nigeria youth population can only become a competitive advantage if it supports the correct digital and technical skills.
“We must invest in the next generation of innovators, builders and digital workers,” he said, advocating the development of specific skills as a basis for sustainable industrialization.
Underlining Nesg's strategic approach, Dr. Aduloju identified the public-private partnerships (PPP) as essential to address the specific infrastructure of the sector and industrial gaps. He encouraged the region to explore innovative financing mechanisms, including the participation of the diaspora, to mobilize capital for transforming growth.
His comments described a triple strategy for regional competitiveness: closing infrastructure gaps, equipping human capital and harmonizing cross -border policies. These, he said, must be carried out through deliberate cooperation and coordinated action both nationally and regional.
As a group of leading policy experts, the NESG continues to play an influential role in WAES 2025, with an active participation in sessions on the implementation of AFCFTA, the preparation of investment and digital transformation.
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