AVA Capital Group has officially listed its N200bn Infrastructure Fund on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
This listing marks a critical milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward revitalizing key sectors and enhancing the country’s economic growth prospects.
Speaking at the closing gong ceremony at the NGX in Lagos on Thursday, Efe Shaire, Managing Director of AVA Global Asset Managers Limited, described the event as a reflection of the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
“The AVA Infrastructure Fund is a testament to our belief in the promise of Nigeria’s infrastructure development and the impact long-term private sector capital can have in driving productivity gains and sustainable economic growth,” Shaire remarked.
The fund, structured as a N200bn programme, is designed to address Nigeria’s significant infrastructure gap, estimated at around $100bn.
It aims to transform key sectors such as transportation, energy, and telecommunications, unlocking considerable economic potential and significantly improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
“We are confident that the N200bn AVA Infrastructure Fund, once fully raised and deployed, will be instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape,” Shaire added.
The fund is expected to play a pivotal role in enabling private sector-driven infrastructure development, focusing on projects that drive national connectivity and economic expansion.
Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Exchange Group, praised the initiative, stating, “It is a N200bn fund with 4,075 units at 1 million per unit. Our participants are creating products that can benefit the country.”
Chiemeka said investments in infrastructure are crucial for spurring economic growth, which is vital for enhancing the country’s overall development.
Femi Shobanjo, CEO of NGX Regulation Limited, also explained the importance of the infrastructure fund to Nigeria’s economy.
He encouraged fund managers to focus on investments that have long-term sustainability and a positive impact on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sectors.
“The regulation business is fair, and investment protection is key,” Shobanjo stated, underscoring the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in managing the fund’s resources.
The listing of the AVA Infrastructure Fund has garnered widespread support from stakeholders, who view it as a major step forward in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
Senior Doyen of the exchange, Sam Ndata, stated the fund’s potential to catalyze economic growth and enhance connectivity across the nation.
“Our vision with the AVA Infrastructure Fund is clear: to catalyze growth by addressing the critical infrastructure needs that will drive economic expansion, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians,” Ndata explained.
He was optimistic that the fund’s impact would be felt across the nation as it helps close the infrastructure gap.
The AVA Infrastructure Fund’s listing is not just a milestone for AVA Capital Group but also a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s infrastructure future.
As private sector-led initiatives like this gain momentum, the potential for growth and development becomes increasingly promising.
This fund aims to be a driving force in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, providing the much-needed foundation for sustainable economic growth.
