FirstCap Calls for Increased Capital Investment in Businesses and Infrastructure at NESG 32

FirstCap Limited, an investment banking subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, has called for stronger capital mobilisation to support business growth, infrastructure development and sustainable economic expansion in Nigeria. 

The firm made the call at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG 32) in Abuja, where its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ukandu E. Ukandu, participated in high-level discussions on unlocking investment opportunities and strengthening capital flows into productive sectors of the economy.

Held under the theme, “Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,” the summit brought together policymakers, investors, development partners and private-sector leaders to explore strategies for translating economic reforms into increased investment, higher productivity and job creation.

Speaking during the sessions, “Investing in Nigeria's Productive Future” and “From Reform to Capital Mobilisation: Unlocking the Next Wave of Productive Investment in Nigeria,” Ukandu highlighted the importance of developing investment-ready businesses and projects through strong corporate governance, financial transparency, credible reporting and financing structures tailored to different stages of business growth.

The discussions also examined funding gaps in critical infrastructure, particularly in the power sector and industrial utilities, as well as the need for innovative financing solutions to attract long-term institutional investment.

Among the mechanisms highlighted were blended finance, credit enhancement facilities, guaranteed bonds and professionally managed investment vehicles, which could help reduce investment risks and encourage greater participation by institutional investors.

A key issue emerging from the discussions was the need to bridge the gap between available capital and viable investment opportunities. With substantial domestic institutional funds available through pension schemes and other long-term savings pools, stakeholders stressed the importance of developing well-structured projects capable of attracting sustainable financing.

According to FirstCap, driving economic growth requires more than simply making capital available. It also involves building a strong pipeline of investment-ready businesses and infrastructure projects backed by sound corporate governance, transparent financial information and effective risk-management frameworks.

The firm's participation at NESG 32 reinforces its commitment to facilitating capital mobilisation, supporting productive investments and developing financing solutions that enable businesses and infrastructure projects to unlock long-term value.

As Nigeria seeks to deepen investment, expand productive capacity and accelerate economic growth, stronger connections between institutional capital and quality investment opportunities will remain essential to delivering sustainable development, job creation and shared prosperity.