Nigeria rolls out red carpet for G-24 delegates as Edun spotlights global finance reforms

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria has positioned itself at the forefront of global economic discourse by hosting the 2026 Technical Meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) in Abuja, drawing delegates from emerging economies to tackle pressing issues like development finance, debt sustainability, and growth.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, the event underscores Nigeria’s rising influence amid challenging global conditions.

Activities kicked off with a welcome reception on Wednesday evening, where Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, set an optimistic tone.

“Thank you for traveling from across the world,” Edun told participants.

He described the gathering as “the start of an intensive technical engagement ahead of the G24 plenary.”

Edun highlighted the meeting’s timeliness, noting that “talks are taking place at a critical moment, as developing countries face tighter global financial conditions and shifting trade dynamics.”

He emphasised how outcomes could shape “access to capital, public sector financing and investment flows,” directly supporting Nigeria’s reform agenda, infrastructure projects, and job creation.

The Ministry’s statement framed the Abuja hosting as a vote of confidence: “Hosting the meeting in Abuja reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction and its role in advancing a more resilient and inclusive global financial system.”