Aliyu Abdulhameed, a development economist and former CEO of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Mr Abdulhameed, in his remarks on Tuesday at the ‘Renewed Hope Development’ programme in Yola, Adamawa State capital, emphasised that continuity in policy is crucial for long-term benefits.

He delivered a keynote titled “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Economic Policies and Key Reform Achievements: The Case for Government Continuity till 2031.”

Mr Abdulhammed highlighted reforms such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, unification of the exchange rate, and increased investment in infrastructure and power as central to growth.

He acknowledged that fuel subsidy removal posed initial challenges but argued it reduced corruption, curbed fuel smuggling, and saved revenue, which could now be redirected to critical social and developmental projects across Nigeria.

The economist cited major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road, as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving national connectivity and stimulating economic activity across regions.

He also commended the Electricity Act 2023 for decentralising the power sector and empowering states to generate and distribute electricity and noted that average national generation increased from about 4,000 megawatts to over 6,000 megawatts.

Mr Abdulhameed referenced World Bank data, highlighting that Nigeria recorded its fastest economic growth in nearly a decade in 2024.

“Fiscal deficit, national revenue, trade balance, oil production, and foreign reserves also improved between 2023 and 2025.

“The administration focuses on measurable outcomes in economic stability, infrastructure, social investment, and national security,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda and sustain the gains of ongoing reforms.

(NAN)