Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), has urged enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and the United States to strengthen capital market ties and boost economic growth.
Kwairanga made the call on Thursday during the US–Nigeria Council Dinner held at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
He noted that the Nigeria–U.S. partnership remains strategically important, grounded in economic complementarity and a shared commitment to enterprise as a driver of prosperity.
According to Kwairanga, Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing trade, investment, and sustainable development on the continent.
The NGX Group chairman praised the US–Nigeria Council for creating a platform that brings together government officials and business leaders to convert goodwill into measurable economic outcomes.
He highlighted that such forums support cooperation in key sectors including food security, agricultural value chains, trade expansion, and long-term investment, all of which have direct impact on livelihoods.
“Nigeria’s young, entrepreneurial population, growing markets, and abundant natural resources complement the United States’ strengths in capital, technology, innovation, and institutional expertise,” he said.
“Aligning these capabilities can generate transformative outcomes for both nations and stimulate broader regional growth.”
On the role of capital markets, Kwairanga described them as essential mechanisms for reinforcing bilateral economic partnerships.
He explained that efficient, transparent, and well-regulated markets enable business expansion, infrastructure financing, and the scaling of innovative solutions.
Kwairanga reaffirmed the NGX Group’s commitment to providing market infrastructure that strengthens investor confidence and encourages participation from both domestic and international stakeholders, including U.S. institutions.
He added that increasing global investor interest in Nigeria reflects confidence in the country’s economic fundamentals and ongoing reforms designed to enhance the business climate.
The chairman emphasized that market operators have a responsibility to convert high-level discussions into tangible investment opportunities through credible platforms for capital formation.
Kwairanga noted that sustained engagement, trust, and human relationships are crucial to transforming agreements into real economic progress.
He thanked the US–Nigeria Council for its leadership and expressed appreciation to American partners for their continued confidence and collaboration with Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, stronger market cooperation between Nigeria and the United States will generate long-term benefits for businesses, communities, and citizens in both countries.