The federal government has expressed commitment to ensure strong and effective fiscal discipline and regulatory clarity as the nation prepares for full implementation of new fiscal reforms in 2026.

Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment, made the commitment at a high-level virtual stakeholders’ dialogue on the implementation of new reforms in 2026, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mrs Oduwole said that the essence of the virtual meeting was to brief industry leaders and investors about upcoming fiscal and regulatory reforms scheduled for full implementation in January 2026.

She said that the reforms reflected government’s push for fiscal discipline and private-sector-driven growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to her, Nigeria has entered a phase of improved fiscal clarity and investment competitiveness.

The minister said that the core reform targets were macroeconomic stability, infrastructure expansion and job creation.

She said that the new framework aimed to attract sustainable investment and strengthen the ease of doing business.

She said that the policies would support revenue generation through a more efficient tax system.

The minister urged stakeholders to remain focused despite current economic pressures.

She said that awareness creation, engagement and transition support were key objectives of the dialogue.

Mrs Oduwole, however, assured the sectors of a predictable, simplified and investor-friendly regulatory environment.

She also encouraged participants to offer constructive feedback to improve the reform process.

“Success depends on strong collaboration between government and the private sector,” she said.

Nura Rimi, permanent secretary of the ministry, reaffirmed the ministers’ commitment to transparent and inclusive policymaking.

Ms Rimi, who was represented by Mohamed Abbas, from the ministry, said that Nigeria required a modern and coherent fiscal environment to drive innovation-led growth.

He described the dialogue as a platform for consultation and consensus-building, adding that stakeholders’ input would help align reforms with global market realities.

He commended the broad participation of the manufacturers, MSMEs, exporters and development partners.

Ms Rimi urged stakeholders to contribute ideas that support a strong industrial ecosystem.

The managing director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Olufemi Ogunyemi, commended the minister’s efforts at strengthening collaboration within special economic zones.

Mr Ogunyemi, who was represented by Halima Kamba from NEPZA, assured stakeholders that investor incentives and operating conditions remain protected.

He said that government was committed to improving transparency, noting that stabilising the economy and reducing currency volatility remained top priorities.

He reaffirmed NEPZA’s commitment to balancing national needs with investor expectations.

He said that Nigeria remained open for business and ready to support investors.

(NAN)