Chief Adebayo Adelabu, The Honorable Minister of Power; Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation; Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government and a Cross-section of guests
By Janefrances Chibuzor
Although the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) is winding down as a programme, its economic footprint remains irreversible. The initiative has strengthened Nigeria’s infrastructure market by equipping senior policymakers with tools, data systems, and governance frameworks that now reduce investor risk and improve project bankability—key foundations for attracting long-term private capital.
At the close-out event in Abuja, partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustain the reforms and technical systems UKNIAF introduced, underscoring the programme’s lasting value to Nigeria’s infrastructure-driven economic agenda. The gathering did more than showcase delivered outputs; it solidified strategic alliances among the public sector, private investors, DFIs, and donor partners—relationships critical for unlocking new capital inflows and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s power and infrastructure pipeline.
With participation from top institutions including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Federal Ministry of Power, Ministry of Finance, NERC, REA, TCN, key state governments, the African Development Bank, World Bank, IFC and others, the event highlighted a unified understanding of how infrastructure can catalyse national growth. The discussions emphasised continuity, sustainability, and the economic gains made possible by improved regulatory readiness, streamlined decision-making structures, and better-aligned public–private collaboration.
UKNIAF may be ending as a funded programme, but its legacy of strengthened institutions, smarter policymaking, and improved investor-facing systems continues to shape Nigeria’s economic trajectory. The message was clear: Nigeria now stands better positioned to leverage infrastructure as a driver of jobs, productivity, and sustainable economic transformation.
