$1trn Economy: Yilwatda Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Says Abandoning Them Will Reverse Nigeria’s Progress
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, insisting that the policies are laying the foundation for a stronger economy and the realisation of Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic target.
Yilwatda said the reforms had attracted recognition from leading international economic institutions, particularly the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reflecting their direction and potential to reposition the country.
He spoke during the APC rally held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where President Tinubu was hosted by the state government at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The APC leader described Tinubu’s decision to tackle longstanding economic and structural challenges as evidence of courageous leadership, stressing that the country must remain committed to the reform process despite the difficult adjustments involved.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda warned that reversing the reforms would amount to abandoning the progress already made and returning the country to the economic challenges that necessitated the policies.
He argued that the President’s $1 trillion economy vision was a carefully considered national development target supported by policy reforms, infrastructure investments and economic restructuring.
The APC chairman identified infrastructure, transportation, education, maritime development and financial inclusion as key areas through which the Federal Government was pursuing economic expansion.
He singled out the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a transformative project that would enhance transportation networks, boost trade and create new economic opportunities across Akwa Ibom and other coastal states.
Yilwatda also stressed that the development of Nigeria’s maritime economy would improve the economic prospects of coastal communities and strengthen their contribution to national growth.
Speaking on social investment, he commended the Federal Government’s student loan programme, saying it was helping to expand educational opportunities for Nigerians.
He also highlighted government interventions for women and small businesses, alongside tax reforms intended to protect low-income earners and reduce the financial pressure on small enterprises.
The APC chairman further applauded the administration’s efforts to improve industrial relations in educational institutions and address outstanding financial obligations to workers, pensioners and retirees of formerly privatised public enterprises.
Calling for sustained public support, Yilwatda declared: “Never again should Nigeria return to Egypt. We cannot afford to abandon the difficult but necessary work of rebuilding our economy and repositioning our country for sustainable growth.”
He maintained that continued implementation of the administration’s policies would strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and create a pathway towards lasting prosperity.
