Nigeria's $23bn Capital Importation Requires Stronger Dispute Resolution

Nigeria attracted $23bn in capital importation in 2025, while its foreign exchange reserves exceeded $50bn. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stated that sustaining investor confidence requires faster commercial dispute resolution, enforceable contracts, and stronger institutions.

She spoke at the third annual Multi-Door Courthouses and Alternative Dispute Resolution Stakeholders’ Summit in Lagos, emphasizing that positive economic indicators alone do not guarantee sustained investment. Capital importation grew by 83 per cent year-on-year, from $5.5bn in Q1 2025 to over $10bn in Q1 2026.

The economy grew by more than four per cent in 2025 and maintained that growth in H1 2026, while inflation decreased from 33.2 per cent in 2024 to 14.63 per cent in September 2026. Mr Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, highlighted the importance of arbitration and mediation in building trust and reducing investment risks, noting ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s arbitration framework.