Tinubu Defends Reforms, Presents Draft Economic Framework

President Bola Tinubu’s government defended its economic reform programme and presented a draft national policy framework at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, while acknowledging that improved economic indicators must translate into better jobs, incomes and living standards. Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the summit in Abuja, said the government would continue the reforms, arguing that reversing them would raise the eventual cost of difficult decisions. He said progress should be measured not only by economic statistics but also by whether reforms produce productive employment, stronger businesses and higher incomes. Shettima relayed figures cited by Tinubu, including first-quarter 2026 economic growth of 3.89% and capital importation of $10.37 billion, an 83.83% increase from a year earlier. Tinubu also cited non-oil activity as 96.08% of output. The figures were presented as evidence of progress by the president; the summit remarks did not establish that the gains had already improved household affordability. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele presented the draft Nigeria Economic Policy Framework, describing it as a national economic doctrine for...