The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has pledged to offer strong economic and investment data to enhance policy formulation, boost investor confidence, and support the execution of reforms in Nigeria.
The commitment was made during a meeting held between senior OECD officials and President Bola Tinubu in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also on Friday.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2026, focused on potential areas of collaboration between Nigeria and the OECD, particularly in advancing reforms across public finance, investment promotion, trade competitiveness, MSME development, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the solid minerals sector.
The OECD Deputy Secretary-General, Frantisek Ruzicka, praised the reform agenda of the Tinubu administration and explored possible cooperation frameworks to support Nigeria’s economic transformation goals.
“We support and understand the pillars of your reforms. I think other leaders should learn from you, especially in improving public finances and working conditions. OECD can be partners with you on the ongoing reforms, particularly the priorities,” Ruzicka said.
Discussions also addressed strategies for strengthening investor confidence, tackling negative risk perceptions about Africa, and improving transparency and policy consistency to attract long-term investment.
President Tinubu stressed the need to reshape global perceptions of Africa’s investment climate, noting that accountability and discipline are essential for attracting sustainable capital.
“Africa’s risk perception must change. Africa must be disciplined and accountable over various projects. We welcome a structured cooperation between Nigeria and OECD in support of ongoing reforms in Nigeria,” the President said.
Tinubu further highlighted key economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, describing them as tough but necessary decisions taken in the national interest.
“The removal of the subsidy was necessary. Yes. There was a fight back. Easy access is hard to give up. Even the multiple exchange rates had to go. I have come to serve my people, not to benefit a few,” Tinubu stated.
The President also emphasized the importance of developing value chains in sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, noting that Africa must move beyond raw material exports toward industrialisation and job creation.
The discussions also covered opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including regional integration, support for small businesses, and improved participation of African firms in global value chains.
Key areas identified for cooperation include pharmaceuticals, MSMEs, agriculture and value-chain development, investment promotion, solid minerals, and tax-to-GDP reforms.
The OECD also discussed investment screening systems and structured policy engagement frameworks aimed at improving investor decision-making and access to finance.
Tinubu reaffirmed that transparency, market stability, and consistent reforms remain central to Nigeria’s economic strategy, adding that Africa must take a stronger role in shaping global economic narratives.
Tinubu is in Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum 2026, where African leaders, investors, and policymakers are engaging on regional integration, investment prospects, and economic reform across the continent.