In a historic step toward expanding its access to international development finance, Nigeria has been officially admitted as a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The milestone was announced at the 2025 EBRD Annual Meetings held in London, with Nigeria’s delegation led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. The move is expected to unlock significant capital inflows for the private sector and bolster key reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking during the Board of Governors’ Plenary Session on Thursday, Mr. Edun described Nigeria’s accession as “a critical milestone in our economic reform journey.”
“This is a proud day for Nigeria,” the Minister said. “Our accession to the EBRD marks a strategic moment. We are committed to building a transparent, rules-based economy that unlocks private investment and accelerates inclusive growth.”
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The EBRD, which dedicates more than 80% of its financing to private sector development, will now offer Nigerian businesses access to international capital in both foreign exchange and local currency. Priority areas for investment include the energy transition, infrastructure, agriculture, digital innovation, and SME development.
The Minister also held high-level bilateral talks with representatives from the United States and France, signaling Nigeria’s growing role as an active and trusted participant in global economic governance.
This year’s EBRD meetings, themed “Expanding Horizons, Enduring Strengths”, gathered leaders and finance ministers from more than 70 member economies to chart new pathways for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
Nigeria’s EBRD membership is expected to strengthen investor confidence, catalyze job creation, and support the long-term transformation of Africa’s largest economy.