News
The Great Recalibration: How President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Is Restructuring Nigeria for a Stronger Tomorrow
By RT HON
CHINEDUM ENYINNAYA ORJI
“You cannot build a house for tomorrow on the weak foundation of yesterday. We must lay new blocks, even when the rain is falling.”— Adapted from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Three years into his presidency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on what may be the most deliberate economic and governance recalibration Nigeria has seen in a generation.
He came into office on May 29, 2023 with a clear declaration: “Fuel subsidy is gone.” In that single sentence, he signaled that the era of deferring hard choices had ended.
Restructuring, at its core, is about rearranging the house so it can stand longer and serve more people. For Nigeria, that meant confronting distortions that had weakened public finances, scared investors, and made planning impossible.
The first pillar of this restructuring is fiscal discipline. By removing the costly petrol subsidy and cutting electricity subsidies, the administration stopped the bleeding of trillions of naira that once vanished into opaque payments.
The results are already visible in the numbers. The fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to approximately 3 percent in 2024, while federation revenue rose from ₦16.8 trillion to ₦31.9 trillion.
That new revenue is not sitting idle. It is being channeled into roads, rails, power, and social programs that touch ordinary citizens directly. More than 2,700 kilometers of roads are under construction or rehabilitation nationwide.
The second pillar is monetary credibility. The unification of exchange rates and clearing of a $4 billion FX backlog restored confidence in the naira and in Nigeria’s commitment to market-based policies.
That credibility has produced tangible dividends. The stock market surged nearly fivefold to a record 250,000 points, market capitalization grew, and international rating agency Fitch upgraded Nigeria from B- to B in April 2025.
Foreign investors, who had stayed on the sidelines, are returning. New oil and gas investments are being announced, domestic refining capacity is rising, and fuel imports are falling, easing pressure on our foreign exchange.
The third pillar is sectoral transformation. Recognizing that oil alone cannot carry Nigeria’s future, President Tinubu approved a Presidential Petroleum Reform and Value Optimisation Taskforce to design the next phase of structural reforms in that sector.
The Taskforce is not another talking shop. It is a time-bound technical body charged with delivering execution-ready blueprints to unlock capital, improve transparency, and position Nigeria as a leading global energy investment destination.
Beyond oil, the February 2026 launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy marks a decisive shift toward manufacturing, value addition, and job creation. The goal is a $1 trillion economy in five years, driven by inclusive and decentralized growth.
This is restructuring with a human face. Through NELFUND, millions of Nigerian students now have access to loans to stay in school. The CNG program is reducing transport costs and easing the burden of subsidy removal on households.
Governance itself is being rewired. The Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan is mapping economic potential across all 8,809 wards, ensuring that planning starts from the grassroots and moves upward to the state and federal levels.
Such decentralization matters. When wards have data, they have a voice. When local governments have more resources, service delivery improves. That is how accountability becomes real, not theoretical.
On security, the administration has intensified operations against banditry, insurgency, and criminal gangs. The link is clear: no investor builds factories where there is no peace, and no farmer feeds the nation where there is no safety.
A good example is the renewed engagement with Ogoni communities. By addressing historical grievances, the government is creating the conditions to restart oil exploration in a way that benefits both the people and the treasury.
Critics are right to point out the hardship. The cost-of-living squeeze has been severe, and inflation remains a challenge. But restructuring is not magic. It is medicine, and medicine often tastes bitter before it heals.
What distinguishes this moment is political will. Previous administrations discussed these reforms for decades. President Tinubu chose to act in the first week, knowing the political cost, because the economic cost of delay was higher.
The international community has noticed. The World Bank’s April 2026 Nigeria Development Update and the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Consultation both acknowledge significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability.
More importantly, Nigerians are beginning to see the logic. A stable currency means businesses can plan. More revenue to states means more projects in communities. More transparency means fewer excuses.
The central test ahead is jobs. With 3.5 million Nigerians entering the labor force each year, the restructuring must now translate into employment-intensive growth. The industrial policy and infrastructure push are designed for exactly that.
This is not about one man or one party. It is about laying a foundation that no future government can afford to ignore. Institutions, rules, and incentives are being reset.
History will judge this period not by the pain of the transition, but by whether we used the pain to build something durable. The early signs suggest we are.
President Tinubu’s restructuring is far from complete, but it has already changed the trajectory. Nigeria is no longer drifting. It is recalibrating, with purpose, toward a future where our resources work for our people, and where governance finally matches our potential.
RT HON
Chinedum Enyinnaya orji
APC House of Representatives Candidate for Ikwuano Umuahia Fed. Constituency writes from Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Abia State.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”
The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.
No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.
The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.
The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.
Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.
Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.
The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
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