Nigeria Open to Mutually Beneficial Global Trade Deals — Edun

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said the country is positioning itself to engage the global economy through mutually beneficial partnerships amid rising trade tensions.

Speaking during an international economic forum, Edun said the government is adopting a pragmatic approach to global protectionist trends, stressing that Nigeria remains open to transactions that support shared economic interests.

According to him, increasing tariffs and the retreat from multilateral trade could negatively affect emerging economies. He warned that reduced global trade could lead to slower growth, weaker investment flows, and fewer opportunities for countries like Nigeria.

Edun noted that the federal government is deliberately shifting focus away from excessive borrowing towards investment-driven growth. He said the administration is working to reposition Nigeria as an attractive destination for domestic and foreign investors, supported by efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic environment.

On borrowing, the minister said Nigeria retains the flexibility to access international capital markets when conditions are favourable but emphasised that investment mobilisation remains the priority.

Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio, Edun said the government is focusing on revenue mobilisation, including tax reforms and the use of technology to block leakages and improve efficiency.