In what may be described as an economic resurgence of some sorts, the board and management of the World International Economic Group (WIEG) Nigeria, has hinted of plans to raise over $500 million as foreign direct investment into the country.

Giving this hint on Friday was Bassey Essien, a member of the WIEG, who addressed a press conference ahead of the two day summit scheduled to hold from February 25-26, at Four Point by Sheraton, Lagos.

Justifying the need for the interface and discussion sessions tagged, ‘Nigeria’s Next Frontier: Unlocking Sustainable Investments for Economic Transformation,’ Essien said the summit, which promises to be a regular feature, becomes inevitable to help businesses harness opportunities that would make them strategically utilise, capitalise and maximise available resources, market trends for maximum growth ultimately.

While admitting that despite ongoing policies, many small business operators are still grappling with all manner of difficulties from lack of access to finance, knowledge-gap in investment-readiness, he however assured that WIEG hopes to drive economic transformation by connecting policy, private capital and investment-ready enterprises.

According to him, with more than 20 investors expected from Malaysia alone, others from Angola, South Africa, over 500 participants, 50+ exhibitors and over 70 speakers are billed to attend the summit.

The President, World International Economic Group (WIEG), Muhammed Fathulah, will lead the delegation from Malaysia, which according to him, grosses over $1billion annually in bilateral trade in Nigeria.

“This is a purely private sector-driven initiative with key national and regional priorities. The summit is going to be properly curated, an event designed to deliver practical results with SMEs across different sectors participating. One of the sectors we are looking at is the creative sector, which contributes 2.5 percent to the GDP. It’s going to be multisectoral. The key sectors of interest include aviation, creative industry, agriculture, finance, energy industry, infrastructure, to mention just a few.”

Expatiating, he said, “The WIEG Investment Summit 2026 will bring together global investors, policymakers, and business leaders to unlock sustainable economic growth and bankable opportunities in Nigeria.”

Already we have a commitment to raise more than $500m capital from investors, dozens of MOUs and PPP frameworks to be launched; as such this summit presents a rare blend of visibility, policy influence, and commercial opportunity.” (The Nation)