Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Working Committee, it is with great pride and sincere pleasure that I welcome you all to the WelcomeToNigeria Expo 2025, taking place here at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, in the heart of our nation’s capital – Abuja.
Today, we stand at the crossroads of opportunity and transformation. This year’s theme – National Agenda for Partnership on Infrastructural Development, Institutional Linkages, Growth, and Sustainable Development – is not only timely but urgent. It captures the essence of what we must collectively pursue: a Nigeria that works for everyone, built on strong collaboration, shared vision, and a long-term commitment to prosperity.
This Expo is more than a gathering – it is a national call to action. It brings together state and non-state actors, public and private institutions, innovators, development experts, investors, civil society organizations, academia, and international stakeholders to discuss, strategize, and forge sustainable partnerships that will unlock Nigeria’s vast developmental potential.
We recognize that infrastructure is the backbone of any thriving economy. But infrastructure alone is not enough. We must build strong institutional linkages, nurture inclusive growth, and drive a bold agenda for sustainable development that touches every sector and every citizen.
This Expo is a platform to showcase models, best practices, and solutions that can catalyze growth in transportation, energy, healthcare, education, ICT, housing, security, and climate-resilient projects. It is also a space to reflect honestly on our progress and the challenges that remain.
As we look beyond this Expo, I wish to offer the following recommendations as a way forward to consolidate on the gains achieved so far:
- Institutionalize State Government Participation
Let us create an annual forum within the Expo dedicated to state-led initiatives. Each state should be encouraged to present flagship projects, investment opportunities, and development plans to attract partners and foster competition through innovation. - Strengthen the Role of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) and Corporate Entities
We must deepen Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with a renewed framework that incentivizes corporate entities to invest in national development priorities – especially in areas like power, transport, smart agriculture, and vocational education. - Engage Schools and Academic Institutions
Universities, polytechnics, and research institutions should be mainstreamed into the Expo to present research outcomes, innovations, and policy recommendations. A “Youth Innovation Pavilion” could be institutionalized in future editions. - Involve Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs are critical to grassroots development. Their participation should go beyond exhibitions – let them serve on planning committees and contribute to community-based sustainability models that reflect local realities. - Leverage the Media as Development Partners
The media must move from being observers to active players. We recommend the creation of a Development Media Alliance tasked with amplifying progress, success stories, and the importance of national unity in development. - Enhance Engagement with Embassies and Development Partners
International partners bring valuable expertise, resources, and networks. We propose the establishment of a Development Diplomacy Roundtable within the Expo, to strengthen cooperation in capacity building, knowledge exchange, and resource mobilization. - Monitor and Evaluate Progress Through a Coordinated Secretariat
A permanent WelcomeToNigeria Expo Development Secretariat should be created to track outcomes of each edition, coordinate stakeholders’ commitments, and ensure follow-through on resolutions reached at the Expo.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The future we want for Nigeria – one of shared prosperity, efficient institutions, and sustainable infrastructure -is within reach. But it will require deliberate, inclusive, and coordinated action.
Let us seize the momentum of this Expo to build partnerships that transcend political cycles and short-term interests. Let us commit to a new chapter of national development—one driven not by rhetoric, but by measurable impact.
On behalf of the Committee and our partners, I welcome you once again and wish you productive deliberations, meaningful engagements, and lasting partnerships.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Isa Yusuf Sago
National Coordinator, Welcome2Nigeria Project
Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee
WelcometoNigeria Expo 2025
