Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has underscored the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing the country’s $100 billion annual infrastructure deficit. Speaking at the 2025 KPMG Arise TV Budget News Day, Edun outlined the government’s fiscal priorities, emphasizing that PPPs are crucial in facilitating large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Benin-Asaba Highway and Lagos-Abeokuta Road, which will improve productivity and reduce travel time.
Edun highlighted that the government remains committed to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilization, and improving the investment climate. He also projected a GDP growth of 4.6 percent for 2025, with a long-term goal of achieving 7 percent growth annually, which is critical for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The Minister emphasized the importance of macroeconomic stability as a key priority.
Additionally, Edun pointed to exchange rate stability, a trade surplus, and increased oil production as vital elements in positioning Nigeria as a strong global player. He noted that the country’s foreign reserves have exceeded $40 billion, reflecting confidence in Nigeria’s economic policies and financial management.
On the oil and gas front, Edun stressed the need for domestic refining, citing the Dangote Refinery as a key project that will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on petroleum imports, thus strengthening energy security and economic resilience. He also addressed fiscal reforms aimed at expanding the tax base, streamlining revenue collection, and creating a business-friendly tax environment.
SOURCE: THE SUN