In a significant push to align national priorities with European financing and expertise, over 40 Nigerian government agencies convened at a strategic forum hosted at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund on November 6, 2025.
The event, convened by international business development consultant Abiodun Dominic Odunuga, aimed to bridge critical gaps between Nigerian development goals and European partnership opportunities in areas such as the green economy, digital inclusion, agribusiness, and smart cities.
Keynote speakers underscored the urgency of the dialogue. Hon. Ahmed Munir, Chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Investment, joined Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, and senior leaders from pivotal agencies including the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP), the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), and the National Productivity Centre (NPC).
“Nigeria’s growth ambitions require access to global financing, technical expertise, and credible international partnerships,” Odunuga stated, framing the forum’s objective. “Europe offers concrete opportunities in development financing, strategic investment for SMEs, and technical partnerships for innovation.”
The forum, supported by strategic partners including GEEP, the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, and fintech platform Bujeti, focused on moving from policy discussions to actionable projects.
In a promising development, Odunuga reported that the engagement has already yielded tangible outcomes. “My team and I have held a series of follow-up one-on-one meetings with several agencies,” he shared. “I’m pleased to report these discussions have progressed into concrete partnership agreements and structured collaboration frameworks, well ahead of our scheduled 2026 engagements in France and Europe.”
This acceleration marks a significant step in the host organization’s mission to translate international dialogue into measurable national impact by aligning Nigerian institutions with European investor priorities.
Public sector leaders were praised for their engagement. “I am deeply grateful to the public sector leaders who continue to engage with clarity, openness, and purpose,” Odunuga said, expressing optimism for the momentum built. “This is exactly what we set out to do: move conversations from policy to projects.”