FirstCap Limited, an investment banking firm and subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, has called for stronger capital mobilisation to drive 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 discussions on unlocking investment opportunities across the country.
The summit, held in October 2026 under the theme, “Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,” brought together policymakers, investors, development partners and private-sector leaders to discuss ways to translate economic reforms into increased investment, higher productivity and job creation.
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During sessions titled “Investing in Nigeria’s Productive Future” and “From Reform to Capital Mobilisation: Unlocking the Next Wave of Productive Investment in Nigeria,” Ukandu stressed the importance of preparing businesses and infrastructure projects to attract investment.
He highlighted the need for strong corporate governance, transparent financial reporting, credible business information and financing structures that reflect the different stages of business growth.
FirstCap Highlights Infrastructure Financing Gaps
Discussions at the summit also examined funding gaps in critical infrastructure, particularly in the power sector and industrial utilities.
Stakeholders explored innovative financing options, including blended finance, credit enhancement mechanisms, guaranteed bonds and professionally managed investment vehicles, as potential ways to attract long-term institutional investment.
According to the discussions, improving access to funding requires more than making capital available. Businesses and infrastructure projects must also demonstrate sound management, financial transparency and the ability to deliver sustainable returns.
Mobilising Institutional Capital for Economic Growth
Another major issue raised during the sessions was the need to connect available capital with viable investment opportunities.
Nigeria has domestic institutional funds, including pension assets and other long-term savings, that could support productive investment. However, attracting these funds requires properly structured projects that meet investors’ expectations for governance, risk management and financial performance.
FirstCap emphasised that developing a reliable pipeline of investment-ready businesses and infrastructure projects is essential to ensuring that available funds translate into economic value.
The firm also highlighted the importance of effective risk-management frameworks and transparent financial information in building investor confidence and supporting long-term financing.
FirstCap Reaffirms Commitment to Productive Investment
FirstCap’s participation in NESG 32 reflects its commitment to facilitating capital mobilisation, supporting productive investment and developing financial solutions that help businesses and infrastructure projects create long-term value.
As Nigeria continues to pursue economic reforms and expand its productive capacity, stronger partnerships between institutional investors and businesses with viable investment opportunities could play an important role in driving growth.
The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to examine practical approaches to increasing investment, strengthening infrastructure and promoting job creation and shared prosperity across the country.
About FirstCap Limited
FirstCap Limited is an investment banking and capital markets advisory firm and a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc. The firm provides financial solutions in areas including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and strategic financial advisory.
With more than two decades of experience, FirstCap works with corporations, institutions and entrepreneurs to navigate complex financial decisions, manage risks and pursue growth opportunities. Its services combine local market knowledge with broader financial insights to support business transformation and long-term value creation.
