The European Business Chamber in Nigeria (Eurocham) has urged Nigerian authorities to provide clear rules and ensure consistent policy delivery to support European investment in the country.
Speaking at the Eurocham Annual Conference and Expo in Lagos, the chamber’s president, Mr Yann Gilbert, said regulatory certainty and policy execution remain central to investor confidence. The event was held under the theme Europe–Nigeria Partnerships for Industrial Growth, Financial Innovation and Sustainable Development. Gilbert said Eurocham’s focus for its members is stability and execution. He pointed to delays in resolving regulatory issues and gaps between policy design and delivery across federal and state levels. He also called for sustained public–private dialogue that reflects investor needs.
According to him, the conference was designed to bring policymakers, regulators, diplomats and business leaders together to move from frameworks to solutions that respond to business realities.
During his address, Gilbert announced the launch of a European Union mapping survey aimed at documenting the role and footprint of European businesses operating in Nigeria.
“The objective of this survey is to clearly document the state contribution and the positioning of European businesses in Nigeria. It will strengthen evidence-based engagement with governments and stakeholders, ensuring that policy discussions are grounded in the real economic footprint and long-term commitment of EU businesses to the national economy,” he said.
He encouraged European firms and diplomats to support the exercise, noting that reliable data support advocacy and engagement with public institutions. Gilbert also acknowledged the role of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, saying its support has been central to Eurocham’s work. Reaffirming the chamber’s position, he said Eurocham would continue to act as a link between Europe and Nigeria by supporting cooperation, promoting reforms and helping investors turn opportunities into outcomes.
At the event, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets, Senator Osita Izunaso, said Nigeria’s capital market is becoming central to the country’s trade and investment agenda. He called for deeper engagement with European investors as Nigeria seeks long-term capital.
Izunaso said Nigeria is moving away from investment narratives and focusing on building systems that attract and retain capital. He added that capital flows respond to institutions, transparency and predictability, and that the capital market now sits at the centre of Nigeria’s trade ambitions. He disclosed that Nigeria’s stock market recorded returns of over 50 per cent in 2025, placing it among global performers during the period. He said the outcome reflected changes in market structure, infrastructure and operations.
According to him, reforms introduced in November reduced counterparty risk, improved liquidity and adjusted operations to meet standards required by institutional investors, including European funds.
Izunaso said the capital market has supported the real economy through the recapitalisation of banks and insurers, with more than ₦3 trillion raised through public offers and other instruments. He noted that the process would continue into the first quarter of the year.
He added that market capitalisation has crossed ₦100 trillion, which he described as a sign of the market’s role in the economy. He said future listings, including assets such as the Dangote Refinery, could allow local and foreign investors to take part in key sectors.
While acknowledging challenges such as debt market depth and liquidity gaps, Izunaso said regulatory steps were underway. He cited new minimum capital rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Investment and Securities Act 2025 as measures to protect investors and align Nigeria with global practice. He also said lawmakers are working to curb Ponzi schemes and fraud.
Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr John Uwajumogu, said the government is building what he called the “architecture of scale” to ensure reforms translate into growth.
He said steps such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate changes and fiscal measures were taken to restore confidence. He added that the Tax Act and the Investment and Securities Act have improved predictability.
Uwajumogu said the focus has shifted to industrialisation, import substitution and value addition under the “Nigeria First” policy, which he said supports local production while creating room for foreign firms to invest, partner and transfer technology. He also spoke on the Industrial Revolution Working Group, set up to address investment barriers through ministerial sessions. He cited a pilot project in an Abuja industrial park and invited Eurocham to join future discussions, including talks on long-term finance.
He said reaching a trillion-dollar economy would depend on cooperation between the government, business and international partners.
