By Babajide Komolafe

The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive Growth Acceleration and Investment Mobilisation Strategy for 2026, aimed at fast-tracking economic expansion, creating jobs and positioning Nigeria as a prime destination for private and foreign capital.

Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite disclosed this in a statement, saying, the strategy, to be anchored by the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), builds on key reforms implemented over the past 24 months, including exchange rate unification, energy market restructuring and fiscal consolidation.

According to the government, the focus in 2026 will shift from macroeconomic stabilisation to accelerated growth, productivity and capital formation.

Under the plan, Nigeria is expected to enter a transition phase from stabilisation to expansion, with policies designed to scale output, deepen domestic value creation and place the economy on a credible path toward a $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product by 2036. Central to this ambition is the domestication of supply chains, stronger export orientation and rising domestic demand in line with the Nigeria First Policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The growth strategy is anchored on three pillars: macroeconomic predictability, clear sectoral investment pathways and disciplined policy execution. To lower risk premiums and restore investor confidence, the Ministry of Finance will maintain close coordination with the Central Bank of Nigeria to support disinflation, exchange rate stability and orderly credit conditions, based on the CBN’s 2026 economic outlook.

Sector-led growth is a major plank of the strategy, with priority sectors identified to attract large-scale private capital. These include energy and gas-based industrialisation, agribusiness, manufacturing, housing, healthcare, digital services, creative industries, logistics, solid minerals and critical metals. Price controls and restrictive market practices will be eased to allow a “willing buyer, willing seller” framework that enables entrepreneurship and investment.

On capital formation, the government plans to deepen Nigeria’s capital and insurance markets through longer-tenor instruments, stronger investor protection and expanded retail participation. Pension funds, insurance firms and institutional investors are expected to play a larger role in financing infrastructure and productive sectors. Insurance reforms, including recapitalisation and improved supervision, are also planned to strengthen risk management.

The government also pledged to expand access to finance and financial inclusion by scaling consumer credit, especially for households, microenterprises, women- and youth-led businesses, through partnerships with banks, fintechs and credit guarantee schemes.

Development Finance Institutions such as the Bank of Industry and NEXIM will be repositioned as key vehicles for de-risking priority sectors and crowding in long-term capital, while non-oil revenue mobilisation will be strengthened through new tax laws and a digital Revenue Optimisation Platform effective January 2026.

Speaking on the strategy, Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the reforms reflect the Tinubu administration’s resolve to mobilise investment, create jobs and deliver inclusive, sustainable growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.