Yemisi Izuora
Institutional investors, corporate leaders and economic experts gained practical insights into portfolio positioning at the recently held Stanbic IBTC Economic Summit.
Delivered virtually under the theme ‘From policy to pockets: How 2026 economic shifts will shape your financial decisions’, the summit explored how Nigeria’s shift from economic stabilisation to growth consolidation is redefining opportunities and risks for decision-makers. Discussions examined monetary policy transmission, sectoral opportunities, equity valuations and institutional risk frameworks.
Speaking on the objective of the webinar, Busola Jejelowo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, said: “Stanbic IBTC brings a distinct perspective to this conversation. As an integrated financial services group spanning asset management, banking, pension administration, insurance, stockbroking, trustees and investment banking, we support clients across every stage of their financial journey from treasury and trade finance to pension fund custody and structured investment solutions.”
Busola added that today’s environment calls for discipline and long-term thinking. “Economic uncertainty demands proactive risk management and continuous learning. By working with trusted advisers and staying ahead of market shifts, investors can preserve value and position to capture opportunities in a transforming economy. Our teams are ready to support portfolio reviews, strategic asset allocation, and tailored solutions”.
Kuranga, Abdulazeez A, an Economist in Global Markets at Stanbic IBTC Bank, expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy will rely less on oil and grow from a wider mix of sectors in 2026. In his view, “We expect broader sectoral diversification in Nigeria’s growth trajectory, with the non-oil sector driving GDP expansion in 2026 as structural reforms deepen and reliance on petroleum revenues declines.”
Abdulazeez projected GDP growth of between 4.1% and 4.4% in 2026, marking a clear acceleration and pointing to stronger macroeconomic fundamentals compared to 2025.
Toyin Aju, Head of Fixed Income at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, highlighted the value of professional asset management: “Mutual funds simplify investing by undertaking rigorous credit analysis and comprehensive reviews before deploying capital. Sound financial health starts with informed decisions, and we encourage investors to engage us in planning their financial future.”
On equities, Kehinde Owonubi, Head of Equities, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, maintained a positive outlook: “We remain constructive across most sectors, supported by expectations of sustained economic growth and improving macroeconomic stability. In particular, the banking sector stands to benefit from this growth momentum. As interest rates decline, we expect credit growth to accelerate, supporting lending activity and profitability.”
He also described the recent regulation by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), which revised the allowable limit for pension fund allocation to equities upward, as supportive of market depth, noting that increased pension fund participation should be constructive for long-term market development.
Across sessions, speakers agreed that while stabilisation progress is evident, translating stability into sustainable returns will require disciplined execution. Panellists emphasised scenario-based portfolio construction incorporating optimistic, baseline, and downside cases to build resilience across varying economic outcomes.
The summit reinforces Stanbic IBTC’s role as a thought partner to investors – deepening market insight; strengthening investment decisions; and supporting the long-term growth of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem