Nigeria launches $78.5bn private‑capital drive for 65 infrastructure projects

Overview Nigeria’s finance ministry, together with the Central Bank, announced a programme seeking roughly $78.5 billion in private capital to fund 65 projects across a range of priority sectors. The initiative was outlined at the Nigerian Investors Forum held alongside the IMF‑World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, with officials highlighting the potential to expand productive capacity and generate employment.

Sector breakdown The pipeline is heavily weighted toward energy and transport. According to the government’s presentation, 25 projects in oil, gas and power together require about $36.4 billion, while eight transport and maritime projects account for roughly $25 billion. Combined, these two groups represent close to four‑fifths of the total funding need.

Beyond energy and transport, the plan includes six agriculture and agro‑processing projects demanding $9.8 billion, 17 projects in industry, manufacturing and mining with a combined requirement of $6.6 billion, and nine smaller initiatives in technology, health and urban services that together need about $700 million.

Investment structure The government has set up a dedicated “Deal Room” to provide prospective investors with detailed project information, financing terms and direct links to relevant authorities. Projects range from modest $1 million opportunities to large‑scale undertakings exceeding $15 billion, allowing investors of varying sizes to participate. While 17 of the projects account for more than $72 billion—over 90 percent of the total—most of the remaining 48 projects require less than $500 million each, with 29 needing under $100 million.

Expected impact Officials estimate that the programme could create approximately 367 000 jobs, positioning private‑sector financing as a key driver of economic growth. Among the highlighted projects is a crude‑oil evacuation and mid‑stream infrastructure platform valued at $1.7 billion, intended to ease bottlenecks in oil production and revenue generation.

Incentives and guarantees To make the opportunities more attractive, the government is offering investment incentives, guarantees for capital repatriation and assistance with business set‑up procedures. These measures are designed to reassure foreign investors and streamline the entry process.

Outlook If the targeted capital is secured, the programme could significantly boost Nigeria’s infrastructure base, particularly in electricity generation and transport networks, while also supporting diversification into agriculture, manufacturing and digital services. The success of the Deal Room and the broader investment pitch will be closely watched by both domestic stakeholders and international investors.