By Ayo Onikoyi
United Capital Infrastructure Fund (UCIF), a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-licensed infrastructure debt fund operated by leading Pan-African financial services group United Capital Plc, has announced a strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, delivering a gross return of 24.62 per cent.

The Fund also reported that it has distributed more than ₦6 billion to qualified unitholders since its inception, reflecting its commitment to providing steady income to investors.

According to the financial results released by the Fund, UCIF recorded total income of ₦3.06 billion in the 2025 financial year, representing a 54.5 per cent year-on-year increase. The growth was driven largely by the strong performance of its diversified infrastructure loan portfolio.

The performance highlights the increasing role of private capital in financing critical infrastructure projects across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

During the year under review, the Fund also strengthened its governance structure by appointing four new professionals to its Investment Committee. The appointees bring expertise in infrastructure finance, transaction advisory, impact investing and corporate governance.

Chief Investment Officer and Fund Manager of UCIF, UcheNna Mkparu, attributed the Fund’s performance to its disciplined investment strategy.

He said the results reflected UCIF’s rigorous due diligence process and focus on financing infrastructure assets with predictable and sustainable cash flows.

Mkparu added that the Fund would continue to build a diversified portfolio capable of delivering competitive returns to investors while contributing to Nigeria’s infrastructure development and economic growth.

In line with its sustainability-focused investment strategy, UCIF said it prioritises projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions, expanding access to reliable energy, promoting circular economy practices and delivering positive social impact. The Fund also reported maintaining a zero non-performing loan portfolio.

Also commenting on the performance, the Group Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Plc, Peter Ashade, said the results demonstrate the growing importance of innovative capital market solutions in addressing Africa’s infrastructure financing gap.

Ashade noted that long-term, naira-denominated capital is critical for Nigeria’s infrastructure development, adding that the Fund was established to help bridge the financing gap while delivering value to investors.

He said demand for the company’s infrastructure investment solutions continues to grow, with the organisation remaining focused on mobilising long-term capital for projects that drive economic growth and improve communities across Nigeria and Africa.

As Nigeria intensifies efforts to close its infrastructure deficit and promote inclusive growth, the United Capital Infrastructure Fund said it remains positioned to channel long-term capital into high-impact projects while delivering competitive risk-adjusted returns to investors.