An asset management expert has said that Nigeria remains resilient in spite global economic disruptions triggered by shifts in United States trade policies, including tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump.
Speaking on the impact of global economic uncertainties on Nigeria, during the maiden edition Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Capital Plus Management Ltd held at Landmark event center at Ikeja, Lagos.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Capital Plus Management Ltd, Mr Oluseyi Odufuwa, said the country was not insulated from global finance, trade or foreign policy decisions, but had demonstrated strength through responsive economic policies.
Odufuwa noted that although Nigeria was affected by a 15 per cent U.S. tariff, but the impact was limited because the country does not export significantly to the U.S., aside from crude oil, which was exempted.
He added that other countries such as China faced tariffs as high as 45 per cent, resulting in deeper economic strain.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s policy responses for Nigeria’s resilience, despite fears that tariffs would severely harm the economy, the country adapted through swift socio-economic policies that stabilized growth and maintained momentum.
“Economic indicators are cited to support this claim. Nigeria’s GDP growth exceeded IMF and World Bank projections, reaching nearly 3.9%.
“Inflation, which peaked around 38% in 2023, steadily declined to about 14.4% by November, indicating reduced economic pressure.
“Food inflation, a major burden on ordinary citizens, also dropped significantly from around 40per cent to about 20per cent.
“This reduction reflects improved agricultural output and policy focus on mass welfare, making basic commodities more affordable, even though broader economic goals are still in progress,” he said.
According to him, Capital Plus Management Limited, an asset management firm licensed in late 2024, since beginning operations in early 2025, has grown from zero assets under management and aims to support Nigeria’s economy.
He said the company would support the country through investments across sectors such as power, green and blue economies, real estate, and production, with long-term projections extending 10–15 years into the future.
In his remarks,(Rtd) Brig. Gen Adeleke Adekoya, Director, emphasize Capital Plus Management Limited’s commitment to strong corporate governance, ethical leadership, and full regulatory compliance.
Adekoya said It recognizes trust as the foundation of the asset management industry and stresses the importance of a clear separation between board oversight and management execution to ensure balance, accountability, and long-term stability.
According to him, the board is tasked with strategic guidance, risk supervision, and policy direction, while management operates within clearly defined limits and accountability frameworks.
“This structure supports objectivity and disciplined decision-making, reinforcing 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 said the organisation has grown its Assets Under Management(AUM) from zero to about one billion, with strong profitability projections with a firm commitment from the board and leadership to sustained growth and investor protection since it commence operation.
Earlier in her welcoming address, Mrs Lola Akande, Board Chairman, described it as a significant milestone that reflects the company’s growth, resilience, and ambition to become a major player in Nigeria’s asset and investment management industry.
Akande said that the company received its Securities and Exchange Commission license on Nov.22, 2024, and began operations on Jan. 2, 2025,established key operational departments to ensure a strong foundation for governance, compliance, and effective service delivery.
According to her, Capital Plus Management Limited made notable progress in brand building, client acquisition, and investment activities, growing AUM from zero to ₦981.7 million.
“Although the year ended with a loss, this was identified as a normal startup outcome that positions the company for future profitability.
“Strong corporate governance and active board committees were emphasized as critical to success,” she said.
She said looking ahead, the company plans accelerated growth through higher AUM, digital transformation, and product diversification with financial projections showing a clear return to profitability from 2026.
She added that it would also sustained growth through 2028, reinforcing confidence in its long-term value creation.
