Tinubu Says Reforms Will Reverse Nigeria’s Economic Underperformance, Create Jobs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration is working to reverse Nigeria’s decades-long record of economic underperformance through reforms designed to attract investment, create jobs and improve productivity.

Tinubu spoke through Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the opening of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The summit, themed “Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,” brought together government officials and private-sector leaders to discuss strategies for strengthening the Nigerian economy.

Tinubu Defends Economic Reforms

He said the goal of the reforms was to ensure that economic recovery translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians, particularly young jobseekers, farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and innovators.

According to Tinubu, the government is focused on building an economy that creates opportunities and enables citizens to benefit from national development.

President Highlights Investment and Job Creation

He said creating the right conditions for businesses to operate, expand and invest was essential to generating employment and improving productivity.

The administration maintains that its reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, although the extent to which they improve household incomes and employment remains a key concern for Nigerians.

Economic Summit Focuses on Shared Prosperity

Discussions at the summit centred on the need to strengthen investment, support businesses and ensure that economic progress delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, saying the ultimate objective was to build a more productive economy capable of providing better opportunities for Nigerians.