Wale Edun: Nigeria Must Shift from Stabilisation to Growth Acceleration

Nigeria’s economy is entering a critical phase, moving from stabilisation into what the Federal Government describes as ‘growth acceleration’, according to Wale Edun, the former minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, during his keynote delivery at the Nigeria Business Summit convened by Stanbic IBTC.

In his keynote address, Edun said recent macroeconomic reforms had begun to stabilise the economy but cautioned that current growth levels remain inadequate to deliver broad‑based prosperity.

“For nearly a decade, our GDP averaged around two per cent,” Edun said. “We have now moved into a new phase where growth is closer to four per cent, supported by macroeconomic reforms. This is an important improvement, but it is still below the level required to move Nigerians out of poverty in their millions.”

Reforms have strengthened resilience

Edun noted that Nigeria is navigating a renewed global economic shock at a sensitive point in its reform journey. However, he argued that the effects have been softened by reforms introduced since May 2023.

“These shocks would have been far more severe without the comprehensive reforms that have been put in place,” he said, citing stronger external reserves, improved non‑oil revenue performance, and returning investor confidence across domestic and foreign markets.

According to the former Minister, Nigeria is now better positioned to absorb shocks “through price adjustments, investment reallocation, and expanded trade opportunities across Africa and globally”, creating a more predictable environment for business planning and capital deployment.

Enterprises across the value chain must drive inclusive growth

The central theme of the address was the role of enterprises across the value chain in driving inclusive growth.

While Edun described small and medium‑scale enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of the economy, accounting for over 90 per cent of businesses and the majority of employment, he also highlighted the importance of large corporates in building productive and resilient ecosystems.

“Their growth is central to inclusive development,” he said of SMEs. “If we want growth that creates jobs and reduces poverty, then SMEs must be supported deliberately.”

He stressed that this support must translate into practical outcomes, including access to appropriate financing, improved processes, and stronger integration into value chains. For large organisations, he noted, scaling productive capacity and strengthening supplier networks is equally critical.

Productivity and trade as growth enablers

Edun highlighted the National Single Window Initiative as a reform focused on execution and productivity.

“Government revenue will increase, not because of higher charges, but because of increased volumes through productivity,” he said.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s long‑term growth will depend on its ability to compete beyond its borders, noting that trade will remain a key driver of diversification and foreign exchange earnings.

“Our true potential does not lie only in our large domestic market,” Edun said. “It lies in becoming a leading exporting economy.”

Partnership and shared responsibility

The former Minister was clear that the government cannot deliver transformation alone.

“Government cannot drive transformation alone,” Edun said. “Its role is to maintain stability, implement predictable policies, and remove structural and bureaucratic constraints to investment.”

Achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one‑trillion‑Dollar economy, he added, will require collaboration between government, large corporates, financial institutions, and SMEs.

In closing, Edun delivered a clear signal to investors and businesses.

“Nigeria is open for business. Nigeria is ready for investment, and Nigeria is committed to building an economy that works for all and delivers shared prosperity.”

As discussions continue at the summit, the message is clear. The next phase of growth will favour businesses that are well‑structured, productive, and positioned to scale.

Stanbic IBTC continues to support SMEs and large corporates across key sectors, providing financing, advisory, transaction banking, and trade solutions aligned to different stages of business growth.

Businesses seeking to scale operations, strengthen value chains, or expand into regional and global markets are encouraged to engage with Stanbic IBTC to explore solutions aligned with their growth ambitions.

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