Ogunlesi Eyes Mega Investments in Nigeria’s Energy, Aviation, and Port Sectors
Nigerian-American billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi reaffirms confidence in President Tinubu’s economic reforms, signaling new multi-sector investments in energy, aviation, ports, and renewables. The move underscores rising diaspora investor confidence in Nigeria’s growth story.
By Chidera Paul | ProbitasReport
Following a strategic meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-American billionaire investor Adebayo Ogunlesi has expressed renewed confidence in Nigeria’s reform-driven economy, signaling potential large-scale investments across energy, aviation, ports, and renewable sectors.
Ogunlesi, the Chairman and Managing Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and a Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, commended the government’s reform agenda, describing recent policy shifts as “fundamental transformations” essential for rebuilding investor confidence and repositioning the country as a magnet for global capital.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment,” Ogunlesi told journalists. “The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth.”
Energy, Aviation, and Ports on Ogunlesi’s Investment Radar
Globally recognized for steering infrastructure investments such as London’s Gatwick Airport and major LNG projects in Texas and Australia, Ogunlesi hinted that his next focus will be on Nigeria’s untapped infrastructure potential.
He disclosed that GIP is actively exploring opportunities within Nigeria’s energy, gas, and transport ecosystems, highlighting the country’s massive but underutilized gas reserves as an area of strategic interest.
“Watch this space,” Ogunlesi said. “Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on.”
On aviation, Ogunlesi acknowledged his reputation as “the man who bought Gatwick Airport” and revealed ongoing considerations for similar ventures locally. He also admitted that while his firm operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé, it currently has no footprint in Nigeria—a reality that President Tinubu personally challenged him to change.
“He forgave me,” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile, “but said, ‘You have to bring port investment to Nigeria.’”
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Diaspora Investors Signal Renewed Confidence
Also at the meeting were notable diaspora investors, including Hakeem Bello-Osagie, former UBA Chief Executive, who emphasized the vital role of diaspora participation in shaping Nigeria’s economic resurgence.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” Bello-Osagie said, commending Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable again.”
Echoing this optimism, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), described the reforms as a strategic foundation for an export-led Nigerian economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he added.
Reforms Driving Investor Optimism
Since assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration has taken bold economic steps, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and comprehensive tax reforms, which have reshaped the macroeconomic environment. The recent revival of domestic refinery operations—already producing and exporting aviation fuel—serves as a testament to these policy outcomes.
The dialogue between Tinubu, Ogunlesi, and other high-level investors reflects a growing wave of diaspora-led re-engagement with Nigeria’s economy. These moves signal a deepening belief that, despite structural challenges, the country’s long-term fundamentals remain robust.
Nigeria’s New Investment Frontier
As Nigeria positions itself for accelerated industrialization, Ogunlesi’s interest represents a significant vote of confidencefrom the global financial community. His firm’s potential entry into Nigeria’s energy, aviation, and logistics sectorscould catalyze new partnerships and anchor sustainable growth across West Africa.
The message emerging from Abuja is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and some of its brightest global leaders are ready to help rewrite its economic narrative.
Contact:
Editorial Desk, ProbitasReport
Email: report@probitasreport.com
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Ihe jasperThe challenge with Nigeria economical is stiil connected the the corruption in her politics and the massive bureaucratic bottleneck/corruption and it's because individuals are placed far above institutions. Allegiance has always been to individuals, we build personalities and make them bigger than the institution they represent. . I doubt if, Ogunlesi would have been able to own an airport in Nigeria if he were a foreigner... The system is wired basically to frustrate intending investors before, during and after investment... Illegal taxation and tax duplicity is one and another big one which has become the bane is unpatriotic act of the officers in each agency. They cut corners, even tell investors to pay a minute of the actual fee into their personal coffers for whatever official service they require.. In all, this is a good one
