Nigeria stands at a turning point in its global trade journey. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s international missions have opened significant doors for foreign investment, economic cooperation, and renewed confidence in Nigeria’s potential. However, to truly benefit from these openings, the nation must now focus on execution, matching diplomatic outreach with technical trade expertise.

Each of the president’s engagements abroad brings new promises of trade and partnership, yet too often, these opportunities fade for lack of follow-up, global understanding, and deal-closing capacity within Nigeria’s trade and investment teams. The result is that millions of dollars in potential investment commitments remain unactualised.

Nigeria’s trade and industrial sectors hold immense promise, from energy, agriculture, and solid minerals to digital innovation, manufacturing, and creative industries. But success in today’s global trade environment requires more than enthusiasm; it demands professionals who understand international standards, negotiation frameworks, and the dynamics of global markets.

It is in this light that voices are calling for the inclusion of proven technocrats and globally experienced figures, individuals with both the pedigree and the professional depth to engage effectively with world and industry leaders. Figures like:-

Dr. Segun Aganga, whose background with Goldman Sachs, the World Bank, and his experience as Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment;

Adebayo Ogunlesi – Based in diaspora (US), deeply involved in global infrastructure investment (Global Infrastructure Partners). Could help bringing foreign investment, structuring deals with global standards.

Ibukun Awosika – First female Chair of First Bank, with experience in corporate leadership, finance, business governance. Could help in institutional capacity building, especially with gender balance and governance.

Hakeem Belo-Osagie – Has broad business experience, international connections, board-level exposure, ties to finance, energy, telecoms etc.exemplify the calibre of leadership Nigeria urgently needs to drive trade diplomacy and investment follow-through.

PROF. Ken Ife –
Development Consultant; President Institute of Professional Economists and Policy Management, and Lead Consultant, ECOWAS Commission with a broad European business funding experience and skills, at board-level, ties to grants, black empowerment etc. exemplify the calibre of leadership Nigeria urgently needs to drive trade diplomacy and investment follow-through.

“This is where the trouble lies. We hardly have products to export to support Export – led growth strategy, that will create employment and sustainably reduce poverty.” – Prof Ken Ife.

Dr. Nicholas Okoye – A Global Investment Advisor & Capital Aggregator, Access Africa Strategy, Founder; Next One Hundred Trillion Dollars and a major national and international investment strategist.

While current officials may be patriotic, the lack of international exposure and trade experience often hinders Nigeria’s ability to translate presidential goodwill into tangible outcomes. Every time the president travels on a trade mission, he opens doors — but it takes a competent, patriotic, and business-savvy team to walk through them and deliver results.

If even 10–20% of the investments pledged during recent presidential visits were fully realised, Nigeria would witness a significant economic uplift, creating jobs and enhancing national productivity.

“The future belongs to the consistent. The ones who shows up even when it’s hard. Investors will only show up when the energy is consistent and reciprocated”.

“Investors confidence in Nigeria is back but we must equally take ACTIONS”, added an Executive of GAS International

Now is the time for Nigeria to build a robust trade leadership framework, one that combines policy vision with global know-how to ensure that the opportunities unlocked by the president translate into sustainable growth and national prosperity.

Contributor’s Contact:
Email: nidmecorp@gmail.com] & GAS