World Trade Organisation Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Wednesday, urged Nigeria to actively position itself to attract global investors and benefit from shifting supply chains, stressing that such efforts could drive job creation, strengthen manufacturing, and reduce dependence on imports.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled “From Scale to Capital: Financing Nigeria’s Role as Africa’s Digital Trade and Infrastructure Anchor” during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Okonjo-Iweala noted that geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and China, have accelerated supply chain diversification. Many firms are adopting “China+1” strategies to reduce reliance on a single country, creating opportunities for new destinations.

She argued that Nigeria must aggressively market itself as an investment destination.

“We need to move from stabilisation to job creation. What I would like to see is a continued effort to attract investment into the country, because there is an opportunity now to attract these supply chains,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala highlighted sectors such as renewable energy, textiles, and pharmaceuticals as areas where Nigeria could capture value.

“Let’s build solar panels in Nigeria. We are importing, but we can also manufacture. In fashion, let them come to invest. Many of the textiles we wear are imported. Pharmaceuticals, there is a chance there as well,” she added.

Also present at the session was the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr Oludapo Olusi.