Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the unveiling of Nigeria House in Davos as a clear signal of the country’s renewed commitment, preparedness, and determination to actively shape global economic discussions. He noted that no nation thrives in isolation, stressing that Nigeria’s long-term growth depends on intentional and well-structured engagement with the global economy.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the official opening of Nigeria House during the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. According to the Vice President, the launch of Nigeria House marks a historic moment in the country’s international economic engagement, as it is the first time Nigeria is hosting a sovereign pavilion at the WEF.
“This is an extraordinary day in the history of our participation at this global gathering of political leaders, policymakers, and business executives. For the first time, Nigeria is present in Davos with a pavilion of its own,” Shettima said. He explained that Nigeria House was created to correct past shortcomings and reflects the nation’s clear intent to move from the sidelines to the center of global economic dialogue.
“Nigeria House represents our seriousness, our readiness, and our resolve to take a front-line role in the global economy not as observers, but as active participants with purpose and clarity,” he stated. While acknowledging that Nigeria House was designed as a whole-of-government platform led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, with key stakeholders across investment, energy, infrastructure, technology, climate, and culture, the Vice President emphasized that the private sector remains central to its success.
“Government can open doors and reduce risks, but only private enterprise can drive growth, expand opportunities, and turn policy into productivity. This House will succeed only if it is powered by private capital, innovation, and confidence,” he said.
Shettima added that the decision to engage more deliberately with the global community comes at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s economic journey, noting that the benefits of recent reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration are beginning to emerge. He revealed that Nigeria’s economy grew by approximately 3.9 percent in 2025 the fastest rate in over a decade driven largely by a resilient non-oil sector, which now contributes about 96 percent of GDP.
He also highlighted growth in services, agriculture, finance, and technology, as well as a major shift in government revenue, with non-oil sources now accounting for nearly 75 percent of collections. According to him, inflation, which exceeded 30 percent in late 2024, declined significantly by the end of 2025, while foreign reserves rose above $45 billion, improving external stability and strengthening the foreign exchange market.
Inviting global investors and business leaders to engage with Nigeria through the Nigeria House platform, the Vice President said the country is not only open for business but open for collaboration. “We are here to exchange ideas and build partnerships. Progress is not a monologue; it is a dialogue,” he added, assuring that Nigeria House will serve as a hub for conversations critical to both national and global progress.
Earlier, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended Vice President Shettima for his support in bringing the Nigeria House vision to life. She described the initiative as a strong example of public-private partnership and a reflection of Nigeria’s economic renewal and evolving global engagement.
Dr. Oduwole noted that the Tinubu administration is rebuilding trust and credibility, positioning Nigeria as a global hub for wealth creation and strategic partnerships. She added that the playbooks unveiled at the event align with efforts to unlock opportunities in solid minerals, climate action, sustainable agriculture, creative industries, and the digital economy.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yano, highlighted key reforms and interventions aimed at diversifying the economy and strengthening the solid minerals sector. He said Nigeria House represents a strategic move to consolidate the gains of ongoing economic reforms and attract investments into non-oil sectors.
The Lead Execution Partner for Nigeria House, Davos, Omowunmi Imoukhuede, described the platform as a unique opportunity to reshape global narratives about Nigeria and showcase its vast investment potential. Ahead of the formal opening, a Global Business Roundtable was held, focusing on building resilient supply chains for the energy transition. The event was attended by top government officials, including the Ministers of Science and Technology and Foreign Affairs, heads of agencies, and leading figures from the private sector.