Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Experts, Economists: Worst Times of Reforms Pains over

Economists and finance experts agree that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tough macroeconomic reforms have successfully stabilized Nigeria’s once-broken economy, shifting it from a state of uncertainty to a promising recovery phase. Key indicators highlight this turnaround, including significant boosts in national foreign reserves from under $10 billion to over $43 billion, improved currency stability with the naira strengthening, a return to corporate profitability, and a welcome reduction in benchmark interest rates by the Central Bank due to easing inflation. Major policy changes, such as removing the corrupt fuel subsidy regime and stopping reckless government financing, have restored vital investor confidence and allowed businesses to plan with greater certainty. Domestic production, boosted by developments like the Dangote refinery, has also drastically reduced the country's dependence on costly fuel imports. However, experts emphasize that while these drastic actions saved the nation from an economic collapse, they have caused severe financial pain for ordinary citizens and fixed-income earners. Moving forward, the government's critical next challenge is to transition from stabilizing macroeconomic statistics to boosting consumer confidence. To achieve this, leaders must urgently deploy targeted welfare policies, mitigate high living costs, and improve credit access for small businesses, ensuring that the positive effects of this economic recovery genuinely filter down to improve the daily lives and pockets of the common man.

Salako, Taofik & Otongaran, Ntakobong | 1. Economic stabilization—Nigeria 2. Subsidies—Nigeria | The Nation | Friday, September 26, 2025