Managing Director and Chief Executive of Capital Plus Management Limited, Oluseyi Odufuwa, has explained why Nigeria has remained resilient despite global economic disruptions, saying the country has shown strength through responsive economic policies.
Odufuwa, who is an asset management expert, said the economic shock was caused by changes in the United States' trade policies, including tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump.
He spoke at the company’s first Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Ikeja, Lagos, focusing on the impact of global economic uncertainties on Nigeria.
Odufuwa said Nigeria is not insulated from global finance, trade or foreign policy decisions, stressing that it has demonstrated strength through responsive economic policies.
“Although Nigeria is affected by the US 15 per cent tariff, the impact is limited as the country does not have any significant exports to the US apart from crude oil, which was exempted,” he said.
Other countries like China faced tariffs as high as 45 percent, resulting in deep economic stress, he said.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu's policy responses reflect Nigeria's resilience, adding that despite fears that the tariffs would seriously damage the economy, the country adapted through sharp socio-economic policies that stabilized growth and maintained momentum.
The Managing Director said, “Economic indicators have been cited to support this claim. Nigeria's GDP growth has exceeded IMF and World Bank projections, reaching about 3.9 percent. Inflation, which had peaked at about 38 percent in 2023, declined steadily to about 14.4 percent by November, indicating reduced economic pressures.”
Continuing, he said, “Food inflation, a major burden on ordinary citizens, has also declined from about 40 per cent to about 20 per cent. This reduction reflects improvements in agricultural production and the policy focus on public welfare, making basic commodities more affordable, even as macroeconomic goals are still in progress.”
Odufuwa disclosed that Capital Plus, an asset management firm licensed in late 2024, has grown from zero assets under management since commencing operations in early 2025 and aims to support Nigeria’s economy.
He said the company will support the country through investments in sectors such as power, green and blue economy, real estate and manufacturing, with long-term projections covering 10-15 years into the future.
In his remarks, the Director, Adeleke Adekoya, emphasized Capital Plus commitment to strong corporate governance, ethical leadership and full regulatory compliance.
“The company recognizes trust as the foundation of the asset management industry and emphasizes the importance of a clear separation between board oversight and management execution to ensure balance, accountability and long-term sustainability,” he said.
According to him, the Board is tasked with strategic guidance, risk oversight and policy direction while managing within clearly defined boundaries and accountability framework.
“This structure supports fairness and disciplined decision making, strengthening investor confidence and institutional integrity. Capital Plus is presented as a forward-looking investment firm with a clear roadmap for growth and value creation,” he said.
He disclosed that with strong profitability projections and a strong commitment of the Board and leadership to sustained growth and investor protection since the commencement of operations, the organization has grown its assets under management (AUM) from zero to almost one billion.
