Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says the Federal Government’s macroeconomic reforms are now delivering real impact to Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja, Edun said the Tinubu administration is implementing reforms with a clear focus on easing hardship caused by rising food and transport costs.
He explained that government has begun direct digital cash transfers to 15 million households nationwide through a transparent and accountable system.
“Each beneficiary is identified by name and their National Identity Number. Payments are made digitally — either directly to their bank accounts or mobile wallets,” he said.
According to Edun, this digital approach ensures transparency, real-time tracking, and prevents corruption in disbursement.
He said data showing the names of those who have received their first, second, and third tranches of payments would soon be made public.
Ward-based Development and Inclusion
Beyond cash transfers, Edun announced the launch of a new ward-based development programme to bring governance and economic opportunities closer to Nigerians.
“The initiative will empower people at the ward level — supporting small businesses, cottage industries, and local entrepreneurs to boost production and create sustainable livelihoods,” he stated.
He described the reforms as a “people-centred transformation agenda” designed not only to stabilise the economy but also to ensure its benefits “reach right down to the grassroots.”
Edun praised Nigerian youths for their resilience and integrity, saying they represent the values needed to lead the country into the future.
Oteh, Sanusi Call for Deeper Structural Reforms
Founder of the Oxford Global Think Tank and former SEC boss, Arunma Oteh, urged government and private sectors to mobilise long-term capital and expand investment in infrastructure and mining.
She warned that Nigeria’s economy would remain constrained until it attracts “reasonably priced, patient capital” and raises infrastructure investment from the current 4–5% of GDP to at least 12%.
Oteh also called for decentralisation of the mining sector, arguing that states should be allowed to develop their mineral wealth to boost jobs and revenue.
“Why are we not exporting our 40 commercially viable minerals in large quantities?” she asked. “If we decentralise the sector, every state can benefit and Nigeria will prosper faster.”
Meanwhile, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, described Nigeria’s present economic hardship as the “price of delay” in implementing necessary reforms.
He defended the removal of petrol subsidy as a painful but inevitable step, calling it a correction of “an unsustainable policy that turned government into a borrower just to service debt from subsidy costs.”
“If we had removed it in 2012, inflation would have risen slightly and stabilised. Now, it’s above 30% — that’s the cost of delay,” Sanusi said.
He praised Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso for refocusing the apex bank on stability, noting that “monetary policy should create an environment for growth, not pursue it directly.”
What do you think? Are these reforms truly easing the pain for ordinary Nigerians, or are the benefits still trapped at the top? Share your thoughts in the comment section below — your voice matters.
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