Nigeria Makes History as VP Shettima Opens First-Ever Sovereign Pavilion at Davos 2026
Nigeria has officially marked a historic milestone in its global economic engagement with the commissioning of the first-ever “Nigeria House” at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who performed the formal opening on Monday, declared that the sovereign pavilion represents the nation’s renewed resolve to move from being a mere observer to an active participant in shaping global economic policy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Shettima emphasized that the establishment of the house is a strategic response to past lapses, advertising Nigeria’s readiness to take a front-line seat in international discourse. He noted that while the project was a “whole-of-government” initiative led by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, its success depends heavily on the private sector. According to the Vice President, while the government creates the frameworks and de-risks the environment, only private capital and innovation can translate these policies into sustained productivity and growth.
The Vice President used the platform to highlight the tangible dividends of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms. He pointed out that Nigeria’s economy expanded by approximately 3.9 percent in 2025—the fastest growth rate in over a decade—driven by a resilient non-oil sector that now accounts for 96 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. He further informed the international audience that inflation, which had peaked above 30 percent in late 2024, eased significantly by the end of 2025, while foreign reserves have climbed above 45 billion dollars, bringing much-needed stability to the foreign exchange market.
In her remarks, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, praised the Vice President’s support for the project, describing it as a testament to a strong Public-Private Partnership. She noted that the initiative showcases a rejuvenation of the Nigerian economy and a shift in how the country engages with the international business community. As part of the launch, the Minister introduced specific “playbooks” designed to guide investors toward lucrative opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals, sustainable agriculture, creative, and digital sectors.
Supporting this vision, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yano, detailed the administration’s efforts to diversify the economy through high-level engagements and non-oil sector investments. He also used the forum to call for fairer access to finance for emerging markets and a more secure global supply chain network.
The opening of Nigeria House was preceded by a Global Business Roundtable focused on building resilient supply chains for energy transition. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Ude, alongside prominent heads of agencies and captains of industry, all signaling a unified front as Nigeria invites the world for collaboration and strategic partnership.
