ST JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – Nigerian business leader and member of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Board, Tonye Patrick Cole, has joined Nigeria’s delegation at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where he is engaging political leaders and international business figures on opportunities to strengthen trade, investment and economic partnerships.
Cole is attending the meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in support of Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, as the country seeks to deepen its relationships with Commonwealth member states and attract greater international investment.
Sharing his experience at the gathering, Cole described his participation as a privilege, noting that the summit provided an opportunity to interact with leaders from across the Commonwealth and discuss ways of expanding economic cooperation.
His engagements have included a meeting with His Majesty King Charles III, alongside discussions with heads of government, business representatives and other influential figures attending the international gathering.
Cole said the conversations centred on strengthening relationships that can generate increased trade, investment and shared economic prosperity among Commonwealth countries.
The programme also included the CHOGM Opening Ceremony and a reception hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, alongside engagements focused on the Green Rising Fund and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people across Commonwealth nations.
The Green Rising Fund discussions form part of wider conversations around sustainable development and creating pathways for young people to participate in economic transformation.
As a member of the NIPC Board, Cole said he remained committed to promoting Nigeria’s economic potential and positioning the country as an attractive destination for international investors.
“I am always proud to fly the Nigerian flag,” he said.
He described Nigeria as a country with considerable human capital, ambition and investment opportunities, expressing confidence in its ability to become one of the world’s leading destinations for business and investment.
Among the prominent personalities Cole met during the summit was Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose country has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for international investment and regional business partnerships.
He also met Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, whose government is hosting the Commonwealth gathering, as well as Patrice Trovoada, former Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Another significant engagement brought together Cole, Oduwole and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), during the Commonwealth Business Forum.
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