Corporate and investment bank, Rand Merchant Bank, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as critical drivers of trade and investment growth in West Africa.

Speaking at the Global Trade Review West Africa Conference 2025 held recently in Lagos, the Head of Treasury and Trade Solutions at RMB Nigeria, Oluwaseyi Onanuga, said Nigeria’s removal of fuel subsidies and liberalisation of the foreign exchange market are laying the foundation for macroeconomic stability and renewed investor confidence.

“The robust economic reforms initiated by Nigeria’s current administration are commendable steps towards advancing the economy,” Onanuga said during a panel session titled “Ghana, Nigeria and Beyond: Assessing Trade Prospects.”

He added, “The Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial sector reforms are strategic efforts to safeguard the economy and bolster investor confidence.”

The GTR West Africa 2025 conference, themed “Financing Growth in West Africa’s Trade Epicentre,” gathered more than 45 speakers over two days of panel discussions, networking, and policy engagements.

RMB Nigeria said it anticipates growth in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, noting that improved regulatory and payment infrastructure will help lower trade barriers and encourage broader participation in the regional economy.

“We expect stronger intra-African commerce, supported by enhancements to payment-settlement systems and regulatory frameworks. These improvements will reduce transaction costs, concentration risk, and entry barriers, fostering a more inclusive and resilient trade ecosystem,” Onanuga said.

The PUNCH reported that Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited has been recognised by DealMakers AFRICA for its lead advisory role in the exit of CardinalStone Partners from iFitness to Verod Capital Management.