81st UNGA: Anyaso Says Trust, Reputation Hold Key to Global Investment

The Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso, has identified trust, reputation and a verifiable financial track record as critical factors in attracting international investment.

Anyaso stated this on Wednesday, September 23, while speaking at a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2026 side event organised by the Global Reputation Forum in New York, United States.

The event, held on the theme, “Beyond Borders, Building Prosperity That Lasts: The Sustainable Development Agenda,” formed part of activities around the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, whose High-Level Week is currently taking place in New York.

Speaking on the growing importance of reputation in global investment decisions, Anyaso said investors were increasingly looking beyond opportunities and market size to the credibility, history and financial integrity of individuals and organisations seeking their partnership.

According to him, “capital does not move only towards opportunity. It moves towards opportunity that investors believe they can understand and protect and eventually realise.”

He maintained that trust and reputation were not built overnight but developed over time through consistent demonstration of accountability, integrity and responsible management of resources.

Anyaso noted that international investors were not necessarily driven by the size of a country’s population when assessing individual investment opportunities, but by the capacity of prospective partners to demonstrate credibility and a proven record of managing financial obligations.

He said investors and financial institutions typically examine the track record of individuals and organisations, including their previous transactions, financial commitments and ability to manage and repay borrowed funds.

Drawing from his experience in the oil and gas sector, Anyaso said his financial history played a significant role in enabling him to access institutional financing.

He disclosed that he obtained his first major banking facility in 2006, when he secured a $10 million loan facility despite operating from what he described as a modest office at the time.

According to him, the facility was not granted based on the physical appearance or size of his office, but on the financial records and business history that established his credibility with the lender.

«“I had a reputation of managing people’s funds because in oil and gas and in the financial sector, you manage people’s money,” he said.»

He explained that banks scrutinise the movement of funds, financial records and the capacity of prospective borrowers to manage and repay financial obligations before approving substantial credit facilities.

The Bende Federal Constituency candidate further observed that prospective investors routinely conduct independent due diligence through financial institutions and other channels before committing capital to businesses or individuals.

He warned that a poor financial reputation or strained relationship with financial institutions could consequently become a major barrier to accessing international capital.

Anyaso also recounted his experience while attempting to purchase his first property in the United Kingdom, saying the transaction subjected him to an extensive Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence process.

He said the process lasted almost a year before the required checks were completed, after which subsequent transactions became considerably easier.

Using the experience to underscore the importance of credibility in international business, Anyaso urged businesses and individuals seeking global partnerships to build strong reputational and financial profiles capable of withstanding rigorous due diligence.

He concluded that trust and reputation had become valuable assets in the global financial and investment landscape, stressing that investors ultimately want assurances that prospective partners possess the capacity, integrity and commitment required to honour agreements and responsibly manage capital.