The inauguration of Nigeria House at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos marks a decisive step in the country’s efforts to assert itself on the global economic stage, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking at the formal opening of the pavilion in Switzerland, Shettima described Nigeria House as a historic milestone, reflecting a strategic shift from passive observation to active participation in global economic discourse.
He emphasised that no nation could achieve sustainable growth in isolation and that international engagement is key to expanding opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration.
“Nigeria House is more than a pavilion; it is a statement of intent,” Shettima said.
“It signals our determination to engage the world with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
”Our presence here reflects a deliberate move to shape economic conversations rather than merely observe them, ” he added.
The Vice President highlighted the pavilion’s dual focus, noting that while Nigeria House serves as a whole-of-government platform, its success ultimately depends on private sector involvement.
He underlined the importance of enterprise, innovation, and capital in converting policy reforms into measurable economic growth.
Shettima also pointed to the gains from recent economic reforms, noting that Nigeria recorded approximately 3.9 per cent growth in 2025, driven largely by the non-oil sector, which now represents around 96 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
Inflation, he said, had eased considerably by the end of last year, while foreign reserves climbed above $45 billion, reflecting enhanced macroeconomic stability and growing investor confidence.
In his address, the Vice President invited international investors to leverage Nigeria House as a hub for collaboration, dialogue, and partnership, stressing that sustainable progress is achieved through shared engagement rather than isolation.
Earlier, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole hailed the pavilion as a tangible outcome of public-private partnership and a reflection of renewed confidence in the Nigerian economy.
She highlighted publications unveiled at the event, which showcase investment opportunities across solid minerals, agriculture, creative industries, and the digital economy, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
The inauguration of Nigeria House thus signaled Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its global economic footprint, presenting opportunities for dialogue with international investors, policymakers, and business leaders attending the WEF.
