In a historic development poised to enhance access to international capital and drive long-term economic transformation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been formally admitted as a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The announcement was made on Thursday during the 2025 EBRD Annual Meetings in London.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, hailed the country’s accession as a strategic milestone aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This is a proud day for Nigeria,” Mr Edun stated during the Board of Governors’ Plenary Session. “Our accession to the EBRD marks a critical milestone in our economic reform journey. We are committed to building a transparent, rules-based economy that unlocks private investment and accelerates inclusive growth.”
The EBRD, which channels over 80% of its financing to the private sector, is renowned for supporting entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large-scale investments across diverse sectors. Nigeria’s membership is expected to open new avenues for local businesses to access development finance, technical expertise, and capital in both foreign exchange and local currency.
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Key sectors expected to benefit from this engagement include energy transition, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital innovation all priority areas under Nigeria’s economic development plan.
In addition to his address at the plenary session, Mr Edun held high-level bilateral meetings with delegations from France and the United States. These meetings further reinforced Nigeria’s positioning as a trusted and active partner in the global economic landscape.
Held under the theme “Expanding Horizons, Enduring Strengths,” the 2025 EBRD Annual Meetings convened leaders and policymakers from over 70 economies to deliberate on strategies for fostering inclusive growth, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Nigeria’s participation and formal admission underscore its growing role in shaping global financial and development conversations.
