WEF 2026: Shettima commissions Nigeria’s first pavilion in Davos

By Kunle Sanni –

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday commissioned Nigeria’s first-ever sovereign pavilion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, describing the Nigeria House as a symbol of the country’s renewed resolve to actively shape global economic conversations.

Speaking at the formal opening of Nigeria House during WEF 2026, Shettima said Nigeria’s future growth depends on deliberate and structured engagement with the global economy, noting that nations do not prosper in isolation.

“For the first time in our nation’s history, Nigeria stands at Davos with a sovereign pavilion of its own,” the vice president said. “Nigeria House reflects our seriousness, readiness, and resolve to take a front-line seat in the discourse of the global economy—not as observers, but as participants with a clear sense of purpose.”

He explained that although Nigeria House was conceived as a whole-of-government platform led by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, its success would ultimately depend on private sector participation.

“Government can open doors and create frameworks, but only enterprise can animate growth, scale opportunity, and translate policy into productivity,” Shettima said.

The vice president noted that the opening of Nigeria House comes at a turning point in the country’s economic journey, as the impact of recent reforms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu begins to show. He said Nigeria’s economy grew by about 3.9 per cent in 2025—the fastest pace in more than a decade—driven largely by the non-oil sector, which now accounts for roughly 96 per cent of GDP.

According to him, non-oil revenues now make up nearly three-quarters of government collections, inflation has eased significantly from over 30 per cent in late 2024, foreign reserves have risen above $45 billion, and stability has improved in the foreign exchange market.

Earlier, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described Nigeria House as a landmark achievement made possible through strong public-private partnership and the support of the Vice President. She said the initiative reflects renewed national confidence and a shift in how Nigeria engages the international business community.