BY DESTINY AIHIELU

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on Monday met with Dr. Iyabo Masha, Director of the Group of 24 (G-24), to discuss preparations for Nigeria’s assumption of the G-24 Chairmanship in 2025/26 and the hosting of the Technical Group Meeting in Abuja in early 2026.

During the meeting, Edun reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing inclusive global growth, and said the country would use its chairmanship to champion Africa’s interests and strengthen the Global South’s voice in shaping international policy.

He outlined Nigeria’s priorities, including accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting intra-African trade, deepening regional value chains, mobilizing long-term capital through green finance and public-private partnerships, and powering industrialization with renewable energy solutions.

Dr. Masha welcomed Nigeria’s proactive engagement, noting the country’s financial readiness to assume leadership.

She stressed the importance of aligning Nigeria’s agenda with global reforms in trade, industrialization, international tax cooperation, and climate finance.