Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the inauguration of the Nigeria House in Davos reflects renewed seriousness, readiness and resolve to shape global economic conversations.

Mr Shettima spoke on Monday at the formal opening of Nigeria House during the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

He described the opening as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s global economic engagement at the WEF 2026.

The vice-president said nations do not prosper in isolation, noting that Nigeria’s future growth depends on deliberate, structured global economic engagement.

“This day is extraordinary in the history of our engagements at this meeting point of global political leadership, policy thinkers and corporate enterprise. For the first time in our nation’s history, Nigeria stands at Davos with a sovereign pavilion of its own,” he said.

Mr Shettima said Nigeria House responds to past lapses, reflecting the country’s seriousness, readiness and resolve to engage globally with purpose.

“It advertises our intention to take a front-line seat in the global economy, not as observers, but as purposeful participants,” he stated.

He said the building was conceived as a whole-of-government platform led by the trade and investment minister.

Mr Shettima said senior leaders across investment, foreign affairs, energy, infrastructure, technology, climate and culture were brought together under one roof. 

He, however, stressed that the House’s true essence must be driven by the private sector.

“Government can open doors and de-risk environments; only enterprise can animate growth and translate policy into productivity. This house will thrive through private capital, innovation and confidence,” Mr Shettima said.

The vice-president said dividends of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are beginning to materialise.

“Our decision to open up more deliberately comes at a turning point in our economic journey. The dividends of difficult but inevitable reforms are beginning to show,” Mr Shettima added.

He stated that Nigeria’s economy expanded by about 3.9 per cent in 2025, the fastest growth in over a decade.

Mr Shettima also mentioned that growth was driven by a resilient non-oil economy, accounting for roughly 96 per cent of GDP.

“Services, agriculture, finance and technology are expanding, while non-oil revenues now form nearly three-quarters of government collections,” he said.

The vice-president added that inflation eased significantly by the end of 2025, while foreign reserves rose above $45 billion, improving exchange market stability.

Mr Shettima invited global businesses to leverage Nigeria House, saying, “Nigeria is open for business and open for collaboration.”

He assured that the Nigeria House would host conversations that would advance Nigeria and the global community.

“Progress is not a monologue; it is a dialogue,” the vice-president said.

Trade and investment minister Jumoke Oduwole said the project reflects strong public-private partnership and economic rejuvenation.

“It showcases national pride and a shift in how Nigeria engages the international business community,” Ms Oduwole said.

She highlighted Mr Tinubu’s reforms as incentives for increased private sector investment.

Ms Oduwole said Nigeria is rebuilding trust, restoring credibility, and positioning itself as a global centre for wealth-creation partnerships.

She noted that playbooks launched target solid minerals, climate-smart agriculture, and creative and digital sectors.

(NAN)