Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025: Stronger Ties, Bigger Opportunities
The just-concluded Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit (NIIS 2025), held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja from 21st to 23rd May, has opened a fresh chapter in economic diplomacy between the two nations.
Powered by Giant Gee Nigeria Ltd, the three-day gathering brought together top government officials, captains of industry, and investors, all united in their vision to deepen trade ties and unlock fresh opportunities.
At the heart of the summit was a shared commitment to boost investment across key sectors—energy, agriculture, infrastructure, aviation, manufacturing, and technology.
From vibrant panel sessions to intense networking, the atmosphere was electric with ambition.
One of the standout outcomes was the renewed push to revive the long-dormant Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), a move that could soon see direct flights between Nigeria and Italy.
For now, travellers endure up to 18-hour journeys due to the absence of direct routes—a situation stakeholders agreed must change.
Ambassador Eucharia Eze and Italian investor Roberto Bocca were among those calling for urgent action, highlighting the impact direct connectivity could have on trade and tourism.
Summit Chairman, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu, added his voice, stressing the need for a Nigeria-Italy Bilateral Investment Council to eliminate existing trade barriers.
On the policy front, the Nigerian government announced reforms to improve the business climate, promising streamlined taxes, protection for foreign investments, and incentives for investors in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). In banking, both countries explored fintech and correspondent banking partnerships to ease cross-border payments and support small businesses.
Sector-specific recommendations also took centre stage. Aviation expert Adam Nuhu proposed setting up MRO hubs in Nigerian airports to tackle the worrying 64% aircraft grounding rate.
Meanwhile, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria urged Italian investors to tap into opportunities in agro-processing, steel, and renewable energy within the SEZs.
To keep the momentum going, a Nigeria-Italy Business Council is being formed to track progress and ensure that all promises made at the summit translate into concrete actions.
As H.E. Iacopo Foti of the Italian Embassy aptly put it, Nigeria’s youthful market and Italy’s industrial expertise make for a winning combination.
With commitments secured and conversations ongoing, NIIS 2025 may well be remembered as the summit that bridged ambition with action
