Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, is anchored on an ambitious mission to attract over $1 billion in trade and investment, according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President, who is leading Nigeria’s delegation, said his government is focused on accelerating green innovation, expanding industrial growth, creating opportunities for youths, and positioning Nigeria as the gateway to West Africa’s vast market.
“At #TICAD9, themed ‘Co-create innovative solutions with Africa’, Nigeria comes with clarity of purpose. Our participation aims to unlock $1Billion+ in trade & investment, drive green innovation & industrial growth, expand opportunities for our youth, and position Nigeria as the heart and gateway to West Africa’s vast market,” Tinubu wrote on his verified X handle.
He described the summit as a launchpad for “lasting development and global partnership, anchored on technology, talent, and trust”, declaring that “Nigeria will lead, and Africa will rise.”
Tackling Terrorism at Its Roots
Speaking at the plenary on Peace and Stability, Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defeating terrorism by addressing its root causes, beyond military operations.
“Nigeria’s brave Armed Forces can win many battles. But we do justice to their heroism only when we, as governments, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” he said.
He stressed that long-term peace depends on combining military gains with reforms, investments, inclusivity, and governance that strengthens diversity and the rule of law.
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Tinubu also renewed Nigeria’s call for fairer African representation at the United Nations Security Council.
“Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto… as encapsulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration,” he argued.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a new framework between Japan and the African Development Bank to mobilise up to $5.5 billion in private sector investments for Africa, including $1.5 billion in public-private impact investments.
He emphasised private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration as Japan’s key focus areas in Africa.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Nigeria was leveraging TICAD9 to strengthen ties with Japan and promote African representation in global institutions.
He likened Nigeria’s continental expansion of banks and corporations to Japan’s “flying geese effect” of the 1960s–70s, arguing that with proper government support, Nigeria could replicate Japan’s post-war industrial rise.
Empty Booth Controversy Sparks Debate
A viral clip of Nigeria’s empty booth at TICAD9 sparked criticism from opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who described it as a “show of shame.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the booth would only be inaugurated on August 21, a day after others opened, prompting further backlash.
However, the Presidency dismissed the criticisms, stressing that Nigeria’s mission at TICAD9 goes beyond trade expos.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified:
“The viral video is not reflective of our mission. Nigeria’s delegation is laser-focused on high-level bilateral and multilateral engagements to secure concrete investments and partnerships in power, industry, and agriculture.”
According to the Presidency:
- The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) is hosting an investment forum.
- The Ministry of Power is in talks with JICA on the Lagos–Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement Project and a $190m renewable energy scale-up scheme.
- The National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) is deepening vocational training collaborations with JICA.
- The Bank of Industry is pursuing annual global fund syndication with JICA and other multilateral institutions.
- President Tinubu is scheduled to meet top executives from Toyota, CFAO, Hitachi, Toshiba, and global institutions including UN-Habitat, UNDP, and IFC.
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