Tinubu: Our policies will propel economy out of downturn

President Bola Tinubu says his administration has implemented bold policies to propel Nigeria’s economy out of the downturn caused by multiple shocks in the global economy.

Tinubu spoke on Friday while declaring open the 2024 African Caucus meeting held at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.

He was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

“As a government, we have initiated bold economic reforms aimed at steering our economy away from the downturns caused by multiple shocks in the global economy,” he said.

”We believe it is a path of recovery and resilience through significant economic transformation.

”Our reform efforts have been strategically focused on fostering fiscal and monetary efficiency, driving sustained long-term economic growth, and catalysing job creation in alignment with the SDGs’ priorities.”

According to Tinubu, his administration remains committed to optimising the nation’s economic potential to deliver favourable outcomes for citizens.

The president also said his government would ensure the overall sustainable development of the regional economy.

”Our efforts are yielding positive results, with improved macroeconomic stability and increased investment,” he added.

He urged African countries to improve the quality of life for people across the continent.

‘NEED TO ENHANCE INTERNATIONAL TAX TO COMBAT ILLICIT FLOWS’

Speaking to African leaders, the president said there is a need to enhance international tax cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and ensure multinationals contribute fairly to economies on the continent.

“We need enhanced international tax cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and ensure that multinationals contribute fairly to our economies,” Tinubu said.

“We must also foster global economic cooperation to tackle shared challenges and leverage opportunities.

“However, we must also acknowledge the need to take responsibility for our own development by undertaking the difficult structural and fiscal reforms required to boost long-term growth.”

On his part, Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said available data revealed that 41 African countries were set for stronger growth of up to 3.8 percent from about 3.4 percent in 2022.

This, he said, will rise to 4.3 percent in 2025.

Edun, who is also the chairperson of the African Caucus, said these exceeded the global average of about 3.2 percent.

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), emphasised the significance of the meeting.

He said Africa stood at a “crossroads with unprecedented opportunities for development alongside significant challenges”.

Cardoso also said to navigate this complex landscape and set the continent on the path of sustainable economic growth, Nigeria must leverage the support of global partners.