A former lawmaker, Oghene Egoh, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to deepen economic reforms, with greater emphasis on job creation, food security and local production.

Mr Egoh, who represented Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the call in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

He said the present administration had taken important steps to stabilise the economy, attract investment and improve infrastructure, but needed to ensure that benefits reached households and businesses.

Mr Egoh said the 4.43 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth recorded in the second quarter of 2026 should be sustained and translated into opportunities for citizens.

“The reported improvement in economic growth is encouraging, but the next important step is to ensure that the growth creates more jobs, supports businesses and improves purchasing power,” Mr Egoh said.

He commended the government for reforms aimed at strengthening public finances and improving investor confidence, noting that sustained implementation remained essential for long-term development.

Mr Egoh said major road projects across the country could improve transportation, reduce logistics costs and facilitate movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods.

“Investment in roads and other infrastructure is important because efficient transportation reduces the cost of doing business and connects producers with markets,” he said.

He, however, urged the government to prioritise completion and maintenance of existing projects.

“The government has shown commitment to food security, but more attention should now be given to storage facilities, rural roads, irrigation, processing and access to markets,” he said.

Mr Egoh said policies should enable small and medium enterprises to expand, describing them as key contributors to employment.

“Small businesses need an environment where they can obtain finance, access electricity, secure markets and operate without excessive administrative burdens,” he said.

He also called for consolidation of efforts in the power sector, saying reliable electricity remained critical to manufacturing and other productive enterprises.

(NAN)