Dubai-based investment and project finance firm IGA Capital is exploring a potential investment partnership with Ifeanyi Odii that could bring more than $100 million in financing to solid-minerals projects in Ebonyi State beginning in 2027, TheCable reported on September 30, 2026.

The proposed initiative would focus on developing commercially viable mineral assets, processing facilities and related infrastructure, with the broader aim of attracting international capital into Ebonyi’s mining sector.

The discussions are being held in the context of Odii’s 2027 governorship bid and his stated plans to attract private and international investment into the state.

IGA Capital is led by Joshua Hawley, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer. The firm provides debt financing and structured capital solutions for major projects across sectors including infrastructure, energy, mining and agribusiness, with financing capacity starting at $100 million for qualifying projects.

The firm is headquartered in Dubai and operates across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, backed by partnerships with international development finance institutions and export credit agencies.

Under the proposed framework, IGA Capital would work with Odii’s team and relevant stakeholders to identify viable mineral projects, assess their technical and commercial feasibility and develop financing structures that could be presented to international capital providers. Hawley made clear that the partnership is contingent on Odii assuming office and providing the necessary leadership and policy direction.

“Our interest in Ebonyi is closely tied to the leadership and vision of Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii. If he assumes office and provides the leadership, policy direction and investment environment necessary for credible investors to operate, IGA Capital is prepared to work with his administration to develop bankable solid-mineral projects and explore an investment programme that could exceed $100 million from 2027,” Hawley said.

Hawley emphasized that IGA Capital’s approach extends beyond simply providing capital for extraction. “We are coming to Nigeria not simply to identify projects that are profitable on paper, but to find opportunities where our capital can create visible and measurable impact in the lives of people,” he said. “Our objective is not simply to extract resources, but to help build an investment ecosystem in which mining, processing, industrialisation and infrastructure development can grow together”.

Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Ebonyi, has identified solid minerals as an area with significant economic potential. He has said his administration would establish an institution to coordinate mining activities in the state and work closely with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to ensure proper licensing and compliance.

He also plans to document and publicize mineral deposits to attract credible investors and increase participation by Ebonyi businesses in the mining value chain.

Odii has pledged to reduce Ebonyi’s dependence on monthly federal allocations by harnessing its agricultural and solid mineral resources to create jobs, tackle poverty and stimulate economic growth.

He has identified the solid minerals sector as a major growth driver, saying the state would collaborate with the Federal Government to encourage mineral processing and refining despite mining being on the Exclusive Legislative List.

The potential investment comes as Nigeria seeks to attract more international capital into its solid-minerals industry and move from the export of raw minerals towards local processing and value addition. The discussions are expected to continue during the Africa Business & Investment Expo (ABIE) in Dubai, where Odii is scheduled to meet with Hawley. The expo, organised by Dotmount Communications, is designed to connect investment-ready public and private sector projects with international investors.