NES Urges Agricultural, Trade, and Energy Reforms as Key Drivers of Nigeria’s Sustainable Economic Growth
The Nigerian Economic Society (NES) has called for urgent transformation in agriculture, trade, and energy, stressing that Nigeria and other African nations need more than macroeconomic stability to achieve sustainable growth. NES President, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting that Africa’s external socio-economic environment remains uncertain amid global trade tensions and geopolitical disruptions.
Adenikinju noted that while projections show that Nigeria and the continent are set to experience economic growth in the coming years, current levels remain insufficient to lift millions out of poverty. He pointed out that one in every three Africans still lives below the poverty line, emphasizing that without sectoral reforms, growth will not translate into improved living standards.
“Our prosperity requires more than macro stability,” he explained. “It demands sectoral transformation in agriculture, trade, and energy, alongside strong social protection systems. Nigeria is not short of talent or ideas, the real challenge is turning good policies into tangible improvements in daily lives.”
The NES President further revealed that the Society’s 66th Annual Conference, scheduled for September 8–11, 2025, will explore practical pathways to economic transformation and social inclusion. With the theme ‘Rethinking Africa’s Development’, the conference will focus on shifting from reliance on commodity cycles and aid to a growth model anchored on investment, diversification, and strong institutions.
He added that recommendations from the conference will provide actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders. These will tackle pressing issues such as securing macroeconomic stability, driving competitiveness, building resilience against global shocks, and ensuring that economic progress translates into shared prosperity across Africa.
Source: Business day