Shettima Unveils Nigeria House at Davos, Signals Renewed Global Economic Engagement
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally inaugurated the Nigeria House at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos Switzerland marking a major step in Nigeria’s renewed engagement with the global economic community and its drive to reposition the country as a competitive destination for investment innovation and partnerships.
A statement issued by Mrs Pauline Sule, Head Press and Public Relations, noted that the Vice President who is leading a high level Nigerian delegation to the 56th edition of the World Economic Forum was joined at the event by the Honourable Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Dr Kingsley Udeh SAN alongside other senior government officials heads of agencies and captains of industry.
The Forum which runs from January 19 to 23 brings together political leaders business executives and thought leaders from across the world to discuss global economic challenges opportunities and emerging trends.
The unveiling of the Nigeria House in Davos was described by the Federal Government as a significant milestone that underscores Nigeria’s seriousness preparedness and determination to actively participate in global economic dialogue. The pavilion is intended to serve as a focal point for Nigeria’s engagements throughout the Forum providing a dedicated space for investment promotion policy discussions strategic networking and the projection of national priorities.
Speaking at the inauguration Vice President Shettima said the establishment of Nigeria House represents a clear signal of the country’s commitment to meaningful global engagement anchored on mutual respect shared prosperity and long term collaboration. According to him Nigeria’s growth trajectory is being deliberately shaped through structured engagement with international partners in a manner that delivers tangible benefits to the nation and its people.
He explained that Nigeria House was conceived as a whole of government platform bringing together leadership and expertise across critical sectors of the economy. These include trade and investment foreign affairs energy infrastructure technology climate action and culture. The Vice President noted however that while government leadership is essential the long term success of the initiative will depend largely on the strength of private sector participation innovation and enterprise.
Shettima stressed that Nigeria is no longer content with being a passive observer in global economic conversations but is positioning itself as an active contributor with ideas resources and opportunities that can add value to the international system. He said the Nigeria House provides a practical framework for engaging global stakeholders in focused conversations about investment opportunities policy reforms and areas of collaboration.
The Honourable Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Dr Kingsley Udeh SAN is also playing a key role in Nigeria’s engagements at the Forum. The Minister has been meeting with global leaders investors technology experts and innovation stakeholders to advance discussions around innovation led growth artificial intelligence emerging technologies and sustainable development. These engagements are aligned with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which places innovation and technology at the centre of national development.
Dr Udeh said Nigeria is deliberately positioning Science Technology and Innovation STI as a core pillar for economic diversification competitiveness and inclusive growth. According to him the country recognises that innovation driven economies are better equipped to create jobs enhance productivity and respond effectively to global challenges.
The Minister highlighted the strategic importance of Nigeria House to the STI ecosystem noting that the pavilion provides a unique platform for governments businesses development partners and innovators attending the World Economic Forum to engage directly with Nigeria across a wide range of economic and social sectors. He said the initiative allows Nigeria to present a coherent and compelling narrative about its innovation potential policy reforms and investment readiness.
Dr Udeh explained that Nigeria House will facilitate high level investment discussions foster partnerships in science technology and innovation and host events that showcase opportunities across Nigeria’s economy national priorities continental responsibilities and international commitments. He added that the platform also enables Nigeria to clearly articulate its roadmaps in areas such as digital transformation artificial intelligence renewable energy climate resilience and skills development.
According to the Minister Nigeria’s participation at the WEF presents an important opportunity to project the country’s STI capabilities to global players attract strategic partnerships and deepen engagement with international political and business leaders. He disclosed that while discussions are still ongoing early outcomes and breakthroughs have already been recorded within the Nigerian STI ecosystem with expectations of increased benefits in the medium to long term.
Also speaking at the event the Honourable Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole commended the Vice President for his leadership and strong support for the Nigeria House initiative. She described the pavilion as a product of effective public private collaboration and a symbol of renewed national confidence and pride.
Dr Oduwole said Nigeria House reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for trade and investment and to working closely with the private sector to unlock economic opportunities. She noted that the presence of Nigeria at Davos with a clear agenda and dedicated engagement platform sends a positive signal to investors about the country’s reform efforts and long term vision.
Other dignitaries present at the inauguration included the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development Engr Faruk Yusuf Yano heads of government agencies and leaders from the private sector. Their presence underscored the whole of government approach being adopted by Nigeria in its international economic engagements.
The World Economic Forum 2026 is expected to feature high level discussions on global economic recovery geopolitical risks climate change digital transformation and inclusive growth. Members of Nigeria’s delegation including the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology are scheduled to participate fully in plenary sessions panel discussions and bilateral meetings aimed at attracting investments that align with the Federal Government’s reform and development agenda.
With the formal unveiling of Nigeria House the Federal Government says Nigeria is sending a clear message of readiness openness and ambition to the global community. Officials expressed optimism that the engagements at Davos will translate into concrete partnerships investments and innovations that support sustainable economic growth job creation and national development.