President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said Nigeria’s economy was making significant foundational progress despite the challenges associated with the reforms his administration has implemented over the past three years.
The President also received commendation from the leadership of Deloitte Africa for the financial and fiscal reforms undertaken by his administration over the period.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday titled, “Our Economy Is On Steady Growth, Says President Tinubu To Deloitte Africa.”
Tinubu made the remarks while receiving a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by its Chief Executive Officer for Africa, Ruwayda Redfearn, at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji.
The President defended the pace and direction of the reforms while acknowledging the challenges associated with them. He said, “Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about.
“The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes, some issues are difficult, taking the bitter medicine, but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress.”
Tinubu said the reforms had stimulated economic growth, strengthened the fiscal and revenue systems, repositioned financial institutions and prepared Nigeria to become more globally relevant and competitive.
He also reflected on his professional background, describing his early years in accountancy as being connected to the Deloitte tradition. “The family of Deloitte, you just reminded me of my cradle years in accountancy and where I cut my childhood accounting teeth in Chicago. Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that,” he said.
