In government agencies, especially in today’s Nigeria, authority has been redefined to mean saying ‘no’ at very convenient times. But at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi has built a reputation for saying ‘how.’
Appointed Executive Secretary in October 2023, Rimi rallied over three dedicated decades of legal expertise to the role. Which says a lot, considering that she is the co-founder of Africa Law Practice and a seasoned specialist in international commercial law.
Her tenure at NIPC has been defined by a clear pivot, especially with her transforming the agency from a traditional regulatory gatekeeper into a proactive investment facilitator. As experts have mentioned time and again, this shift is encapsulated in her focus on ‘Investment Aftercare’, actively supporting existing investors.
And where before there was tradition and mediocrity, there is now a trend sponsored by digitisation. Rimi championed the move to online portals and real-time data, making the agency’s processes more transparent and less opaque. Because of this, the agency’s authority is almost completely modernised, making it predictable.
Substantively, she has also redirected the commission’s focus. Under her guidance, the NIPC now prioritises “New Economy” sectors like fintech, agritech, and renewable energy. This strategic reorientation attracted $10.23 billion in capital inflows in the first half of 2025 alone.
Her legal background provides a foundation of integrity. The good lady advocates for regulatory harmony, using her authority to create a stable, rules-based environment that investors trust.
Beyond policy, her compassion extends to social impact. She established a pro bono legal aid program for victims of domestic abuse through her law firm.
To be sure, Rimi’s leadership demonstrates that the most effective authority is not a barrier, but a bridge. Having successfully fused the weight of her office with a forward-thinking vision, she is proving that a regulatory body can be both a pillar of the state and an engine of modern progress.
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