Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended Nigeria’s current wave of economic reforms, describing them as “painful but inevitable” steps toward long-term recovery.
Delivering the keynote address at the Nigerian Economic Society’s 66th Annual Conference in Abuja, Shettima said Africa must shift from “outdated explanations” of economic growth to a knowledge-based model that drives productivity.
“President Tinubu has embarked on bold reforms others only paid lip service to,” Shettima said. “A malignant disease can only be cured by painful surgery. The wounds are temporary, but the recovery is permanent.”
He added that digital technology and remote work opportunities are reshaping global labour markets, insisting Africa must reinvent its human capital to compete.
Ministers at the event underscored opportunities in livestock and development planning, while the African Development Bank pledged continued support for Nigeria’s transformation.
NES President Prof. Adeola Adenikinju said the society is modernising to remain an inclusive and globally connected think-tank, ready to partner with government on policy implementation.
