FRC’s Transparency Drive Key to Attracting Long-Term Investment, Says Olowo at Investopia Africa

Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), joined senior government officials, regulators and global investors at the maiden African edition of the Investopia Global Africa Conference in Lagos, where stakeholders explored opportunities for deepening trade and investment ties between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE-backed investment platform, making its African debut, convened policymakers, business leaders and development partners to discuss strategies for mobilising capital, financing infrastructure and driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.

At the conference, Dr. Olowo engaged extensively with foreign investors and emphasised that credible financial reporting, strong corporate governance and transparent disclosures remain critical pillars for building investor confidence and reducing investment risks.

According to him, the regulatory framework championed by the Financial Reporting Council is essential to attracting long-term foreign direct investment into Nigeria and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global investment landscape.

He noted that transparency and accountability are indispensable for creating resilient institutions capable of supporting sustainable economic development, especially as Nigeria seeks to deepen economic relations with the UAE and other international partners.

Leading Nigeria’s investment pitch at the conference, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, showcased the country’s investment opportunities and reforms aimed at enhancing ease of doing business.

The UAE Minister of Investment, H.E. Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi, highlighted the strong appetite among Gulf investors for Nigerian infrastructure projects and other strategic sectors, pointing to the prospects of multi-billion-dollar investments.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, host of the event, positioned Lagos as a “ready city” for investment and reiterated plans to establish the Lagos International Financial Centre as a major financial hub on the continent.

Also in attendance was the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside other senior government officials, regulators and international investors.

The conference marked the first time the Investopia platform is being held in Africa, underscoring growing economic cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE and reinforcing the continent’s increasing attractiveness as a destination for global capital.