President Bola Tinubu has robustly responded to criticism, particularly from opposition leaders, over new loans the nation has accessed from worldwide establishments and banks.
In an essay titled “From reforms to delivery: Our infrastructure investment and growth strategy,” to be printed on Nigerian information platforms, President Tinubu wrote: “The real question is not how much we borrow, but what we build, what value we create and what future we leave behind.”
President Tinubu recognized the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Trans-Sahara Superhighway, electrical energy grid upgrades and the modernisation of key industrial ports in Lagos as main tasks anticipated to strengthen Nigeria’s productive capability.
He stated the tasks, alongside investments in healthcare, schooling and vocational coaching, would join financial areas, cut back logistics prices, unlock agricultural and industrial potential and entice non-public funding.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is anticipated to chop logistics prices alongside its hall by 15 to twenty per cent. It may add as much as two per cent to Nigeria’s GDP by means of expanded commerce, tourism, and industrial exercise.
The undertaking can be projected to generate about 100,000 direct jobs in development and engineering, alongside greater than 150,000 oblique jobs in logistics, supplies and associated providers.
“We are not simply building highways. We are opening economic corridors, connecting markets, unlocking industries and reshaping Nigeria’s economic geography,” the President stated.
He stated the administration’s ambition to construct a $1 trillion economic system by 2030 would require sustained infrastructure funding to assist greater productiveness, industrialisation and commerce.
“We cannot build a USD 1 trillion economy with infrastructure designed for an economy a fraction of that size,” Tinubu stated.
He wrote that bettering financial indicators and rising worldwide investor confidence are creating alternatives for Nigeria to draw long-term funding and develop important infrastructure.
The President stated the financial reforms his administration launched in May 2023 helped restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen public funds, and enhance the nation’s standing in worldwide monetary markets.
He stated a $1 trillion economic system wouldn’t emerge by declaration alone however should be constructed by means of sustained funding, greater productiveness, industrialisation, and commerce, stressing that infrastructure growth could be important to attaining the goal by 2030.
In an article titled “From reforms to delivery: Our infrastructure investment and growth strategy,” Tinubu stated actual Gross Domestic Product progress reached 4.43 per cent within the second quarter of 2026, whereas headline inflation fell to 14.63 per cent in September from 20.98 per cent a 12 months earlier.
He additionally stated gross exterior reserves rose to $55.1 billion as of October 9, 2026, together with about $46 billion in web reserves, whereas the tax-to-GDP ratio elevated to 12.5 per cent from seven per cent.
Tinubu stated actual Gross Domestic Product progress reached 4.43 per cent within the second quarter of 2026, whereas headline inflation fell to 14.63 per cent in September from 20.98 per cent a 12 months earlier.
The President attributed the enhancements to measures together with petrol subsidy elimination, change price unification, tax reforms and coordinated efforts to deal with inflation.
“The decisions taken since 2023 were difficult but necessary,” he stated, referring to the reforms.
Tinubu stated the positive factors have strengthened Nigeria’s potential to draw funding and finance tasks that assist long-term financial progress.
“Confidence has a price; our cost of borrowing is going down, and the country risk premium has drastically decreased,” he stated.
The President cited constructive assessments by worldwide credit standing businesses as proof of improved confidence within the economic system.
“These are not political endorsements; they are independent assessments by global rating agencies, index providers, regulators and investors, recognising stronger external reserves, improved macroeconomic management and greater financial credibility,” Tinubu stated.
According to the President, the improved standing may assist Nigeria entice extra institutional buyers, safe longer-term financing and cut back borrowing prices.
He stated the administration was shifting public borrowing away from financing short-term fiscal pressures in direction of investments that may generate financial returns, create jobs and develop alternatives for future generations.
The President stated the federal government was additionally pursuing longer-term financing preparations to match the lifespan of infrastructure belongings, cut back refinancing pressures and safe extra aggressive funding for productive investments.
President Tinubu stated Nigeria should convert renewed worldwide confidence into capital expenditure, accomplished infrastructure and lasting financial advantages for residents.
He recognized 5 priorities for the subsequent part of the Federal Executive Council’s financial technique: meals affordability and vitality value stability; funds harmonisation and financial self-discipline; completion of high-impact tasks and funding in important infrastructure; an improved financial coverage framework and regulatory effectivity; and focused family assist alongside funding in human growth.
The President burdened that the success of the present administration’s financial schemes could be measured by accomplished tasks, elevated funding, employment technology and improved dwelling requirements.
“Securing financing is not the achievement. Completing the project, delivering value and improving the lives of Nigerians is the achievement,” he stated.
He added that the nation’s financial ambition should be supported by accountable borrowing and investments that create lasting alternatives for future generations.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
October 29, 2026
