The incoming Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Omoboyede Olusanya, has urged the country to pivot its economic priorities away from mere headline growth figures and focus instead on measurable progress in employment, productivity, personal incomes, and overall living standards.
Olusanya argued that macroeconomic stability on its own falls short of guaranteeing shared prosperity, noting that national economic expansion must directly translate into improved livelihoods and wider opportunities for citizens. He delivered this charge while presenting his strategic vision for the private-sector-led think tank at the conclusion of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#32), hosted at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Operating under the central theme, "Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity," the incoming leader unveiled "Growth that Delivers" as the core philosophy for his administration. According to him, the nation's true economic advancement should be evaluated by tangible outcomes: whether farmers enjoy higher earnings from enhanced productivity, manufacturers experience lower operational costs, graduates secure meaningful employment, and enterprises gain access to affordable credit.
He further stressed that children must be guaranteed proper nutrition and healthcare to ensure they develop optimally. Olusanya conceded that recent fiscal and monetary policies have successfully established macroeconomic stability, but he insisted that the country must now progress past stabilization to boost productivity, spur productive investments, alleviate poverty, and elevate citizens' welfare.
To operationalize this vision, Olusanya detailed five foundational commitments that will direct the NESG's agenda: accountability, evidence-based policymaking, investment mobilization, the expansion of economic opportunities, and institutional sustainability. Under accountability, he promised that every resolution emerging from the summit will feature a designated owner, a strict timeline, and quantifiable performance metrics, with progress reports published prior to the 33rd edition.
To strengthen evidence-based policymaking, he committed to deepening research and policy intelligence to formulate rigorous, cost-effective recommendations that align seamlessly with the National Development Plan 2026–2030. Furthermore, Olusanya pledged to collaborate with government entities, financial institutions, and international partners to convert policy concepts into bankable initiatives, thereby attracting investments into agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
Addressing the broader economic landscape, the incoming chairman emphasized the necessity of broadening economic access across all geopolitical zones, paying particular attention to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and operators within the informal sector. He also confirmed plans to diversify the group's membership, enhance the involvement of women and youth, safeguard its institutional independence, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Olusanya called for a collaborative approach, urging all tiers of government to sustain ongoing reforms, lower the burdens of electricity and logistics, and maintain predictable regulatory policies. Simultaneously, he challenged private sector leaders to innovate, invest, foster workforce skills, offer fair remuneration, and generate productive jobs. He encouraged young Nigerians to establish enterprises and demand institutional accountability, while urging civil society bodies to track policy commitments and advocate for vulnerable populations. Finally, he commended the stewardship of the outgoing chairman, Mr Niyi Yusuf, reaffirming the organization's enduring commitment to national prosperity above partisan interests.