The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has affirmed that the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are restoring investor confidence, stimulating growth, and laying a solid foundation for Nigeria to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
Prof. Yilwatda made the remarks on Thursday at Colloquium 2.0, held in his honour to mark his 58th birthday in Jos, Plateau State.
He described the administration’s policies as bold decisions that previous governments had considered but lacked the political will to implement. According to him, Nigeria’s economy has recorded significant progress under the current administration, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rising from below $300 billion to about $375 billion within two years.
The APC chairman noted that the economy is now growing faster than the country’s population for the first time in years. He added that the reforms have helped restore international confidence and attracted investors back to the country.
“For the first time, our exports have exceeded our imports. Investors are returning to Nigeria because confidence has returned. The productive economy we have long desired is beginning to emerge,” he said.
Prof. Yilwatda highlighted the Federal Government’s investments in critical infrastructure including deep seaports, railways, highways, and inland dry ports as key to reducing the cost of doing business, boosting regional trade, and positioning Nigeria as the economic hub of West and Central Africa. He explained that the planned infrastructure network would enhance the country’s export capacity and open new economic opportunities, particularly through improved connectivity with neighbouring landlocked countries.
He emphasised that the administration’s development agenda is focused on creating a sustainable future rather than short-term political gains.
“President Tinubu has a master plan. He is not building for today alone; he is building a future that our children and grandchildren will inherit,” the APC National Chairman stated.
Prof. Yilwatda also expressed gratitude to party leaders in Plateau State for their support during his political journey, particularly in the 2023 governorship election, which he described as the platform that launched him into national politics. He pledged to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing himself as the President’s “chief campaigner.”
“I am deeply grateful to Mr President for believing in me. As National Chairman of the APC, I remain committed to marketing the vision of this administration and ensuring victory for our great party,” he added.
Earlier, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma (represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu), commended Prof. Yilwatda’s leadership for strengthening the party and expanding its membership base. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang (represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo) described the APC chairman as an accomplished academic, technocrat, and administrator whose leadership has inspired young Nigerians.
The National Convener of the colloquium, Comrade Gaknung Seri, said the event was organised not only to celebrate Prof. Yilwatda but also to document his contributions to education, leadership, and national development, so that younger generations can learn from his experiences.