Tinubu: Nigeria’s Economy Is on a Steady Growth Path as Reforms Begin to Yield Results

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria's economy is making steady progress following a series of fiscal, tax and revenue reforms introduced by his administration, describing the measures as difficult but necessary steps toward building a stronger and more competitive economy.

The President made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Ruwayda Redfearn, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Deloitte delegation commended the administration's ongoing financial and fiscal reforms and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria in areas including investment, digital transformation, youth development and job creation.

Speaking during the meeting, President Tinubu said his administration's reforms have steadily stabilised the economy over the past three years, with positive indicators beginning to attract recognition both within and outside the country.

"We are following the example of Deloitte's greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people," the President said.

Acknowledging that reforms often come with short-term challenges, Tinubu maintained that the measures are beginning to deliver the desired results.

"Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald's customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about.

"Thank you for your partnership in paying attention to what we are doing here, as we have heard from the Honourable Minister of Finance about the fiscal, revenue and tax reforms that have taken place and are moving the nation forward.

"The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes, some issues are difficult to take the bitter medicine, but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress," he said.

The President said the reforms have strengthened the country's fiscal and revenue systems, repositioned financial institutions and placed Nigeria on a path toward greater global competitiveness.

Tinubu also urged Deloitte Africa to expand its contribution to Nigeria's development by investing more in skills development, training and employment opportunities for the country's youthful population.

Recalling his early professional career, the President referenced Deloitte's longstanding reputation for professional development.

"The family of Deloitte; you just reminded me of my cradle years in accountancy and where I cut my childhood accounting teeth in Chicago. Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that," he said.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, highlighted the impact of the administration's economic reforms and encouraged Deloitte to play a greater role in building the capacity of young Nigerians.

In her remarks, Deloitte Africa CEO Ruwayda Redfearn said the global professional services firm remains committed to supporting Nigeria's economic transformation.

She noted that Deloitte employs more than 500,000 professionals worldwide, including over 6,000 across Africa, while the organisation generated $74 billion in revenue in 2025.

"We are before you to say that we want to serve. We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country," she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte West Africa, Yomi Olugbenro, also reaffirmed the firm's commitment to supporting Nigeria's reform agenda.

He said the government's reforms have laid a solid foundation for long-term growth but stressed that greater attention should now be directed toward ensuring that ordinary Nigerians experience the benefits of the policies.

"We do believe that with the capabilities that the firm has all over the world, with the half a million people that our CEO spoke about, we have use cases, examples and experiences of how we have supported nations around the world, so Nigeria will definitely benefit from those experiences.

"That is why we are here, and we welcome the invitation that you may grant us as to where exactly you want us to support you," Olugbenro said.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, alongside senior government officials and executives of Deloitte Africa.