The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has said that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu have positioned Nigeria as Africa's most attractive destination for investment.
Bagudu made the assertion while representing Nigeria at the Third Hamburg Sustainability Conference held in Hamburg, Germany, where he highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to creating a stable macroeconomic environment that supports long-term investments.
The conference, jointly organised by the Government of Germany, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Michael Otto Foundation and other global partners, brought together heads of government, ministers, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, private sector leaders, academics and development experts to advance sustainable development and climate action.
Speaking during the conference held from June 29 to 30, Bagudu said Nigeria's ongoing reforms have restored investor confidence, strengthened fiscal sustainability and expanded opportunities for private sector participation in critical sectors including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, digital innovation and climate-resilient development.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government's determination to leverage international partnerships to mobilise sustainable investment, strengthen economic resilience and accelerate Nigeria's transition to a competitive, inclusive and climate-responsive economy.
According to the minister, the administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for investors while pursuing reforms that support sustainable economic growth.
The conference featured several global leaders, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, First Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan, and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.
On the sidelines of the event, Bagudu met with the Chief Executive Officer of the German-African Business Association, Claudia Voss, alongside senior executives of ODDO BHF, a leading European financial institution with interests in reforestation, carbon credit financing, sustainable forestry, import financing and green investment projects across Africa.
During the meeting, ODDO BHF officials commended the Federal Government's economic reforms, noting that recent policy measures have significantly improved Nigeria's investment outlook and boosted international investor confidence.
The discussions explored potential collaboration in sustainable forestry, climate finance, carbon market development, environmental restoration, green investments and innovative financing mechanisms to support Nigeria's transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
Bagudu said Nigeria's vast natural resources, expanding carbon market opportunities and commitment to sustainable land management present significant prospects for mutually beneficial partnerships capable of delivering environmental, social and economic benefits.
In another strategic engagement, the minister held talks with the H2Global Foundation on a roadmap for developing Nigeria's hydrogen fuel potential.
The discussions focused on Nigeria's renewable energy resources, abundant natural gas reserves and green industrialisation agenda, as well as the country's potential to emerge as a competitive producer and exporter of green hydrogen.
The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the H2Global Foundation to establish a framework for collaboration on developing Nigeria's hydrogen economy.