IsDB partnership driving infrastructure, agribusiness – Finance Minister

The Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says the Federal Government’s strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the implementation of the Country Engagement Framework 2026-2028 have helped in modernizing infrastructure, industrializing agribusiness, and bringing 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity. He spoke at the just concluded […]

The Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says the Federal Government’s strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the implementation of the Country Engagement Framework 2026-2028 have helped in modernizing infrastructure, industrializing agribusiness, and bringing 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.

He spoke at the just concluded IsDB Group Day in Nigeria, which brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, development partners, and international stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote investment, and enhance private sector–led growth in Nigeria.

The high-level event underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and highlighted the critical role of private sector engagement in addressing key development challenges, including infrastructure gaps, youth and women unemployment, limited access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the transition toward a more diversified and sustainable economy.

The event facilitated dialogue amongst policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners, fostering meaningful engagement and the exploration of practical business and investment opportunities

In his keynote address, Edun, said, “As Nigeria transitions from economic stabilization to a period of robust expansion in 2026, our focus is firmly set on Growth Acceleration and Investment Mobilization. This journey toward a $1 Trillion economy by 2030 requires ‘capital with purpose’—investments that bridge the gap between financial stability and tangible social outcomes. 

“Through our strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the implementation of the Country Engagement Framework 2026-2028, we are modernizing our infrastructure, industrializing our agribusiness, and bringing 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity. By leveraging innovative instruments like Sukuk, we are not just financing projects; we are building a Nigeria that is resilient by design, inclusive by nature, and a premier destination for global investment.”

The IsDB Group Head of Delegation said, “The CEF marks a new era of strategic synergy, moving beyond isolated interventions to deliver integrated, federal-scale solutions. We are aligning our institutional resources to support Nigeria’s transition toward a diversified, high-growth economy—one where the private sector serves as the fundamental engine of development.”

He further emphasized that through this partnership, the Group remains dedicated to accelerating the delivery of integrated transformative solutions that foster national resilience and competitive industrialization.

One of the main features of the program was a panel discussion on Nigeria’s development priorities and the role of IsDB Group in formulating practical avenues of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships to support Nigeria’s path towards sustainable and inclusive development.

The discussions during the IsDB Group Day were closely aligned with Nigeria’s future development vision, which focuses on building a diversified, inclusive, and resilient economy driven by private sector–led growth.