The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to bold reforms that are restoring stability, strengthening investor confidence, and laying the foundation for inclusive growth.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, HM Edun said the country is at *a pivotal moment* where decisive action will determine its economic future. He pointed to significant progress already achieved; including stabilisation of the naira, improved foreign exchange management, higher federal allocations, and early signs of easing inflation.

The Minister highlighted four priorities to sustain momentum: reforming fiscal policy, raising Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio through automation and technology, curbing inflation, and unlocking private sector investment. With tax revenues at just 13% of GDP compared to 50–60% in peer economies, he stressed the urgency of widening the base to fund critical infrastructure and social programmes.

On social investments, the  Minister announced that the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme has already reached over 8 million Nigerians, with a target of 15 million households by year-end. Every beneficiary, he added is biometrically identified and digitally paid, ensuring transparency and impact.

Reiterating the central role of private enterprise, he noted that reforms are creating a more competitive climate for investment in energy, agriculture, transport, and digital infrastructure. *Nigeria’s demographic advantage means our youth will form a major part of the global workforce by 2050,* Edun said. *Our task is to equip them to seize that opportunity,* he added further 

The Minister underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to policies that deliver fiscal stability, attract investment, and ensure prosperity is broadly shared.

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards realizing its green growth agenda with the $100 million Orteva Carbon Project, a landmark initiative aimed at unlocking climate finance, generating carbon credits, and accelerating the country’s transition to a sustainable economy.

This was disclosed by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun today in his office in Abuja when he received a delegation from Orteva, in partnership with the Delta State Government and Eighth Versa, for strategic discussions on the project. 

Commending the project, the Minister described it as *a timely intervention fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of green growth and sustainable economic transformation.*

 He stressed that initiatives of this scale are central to Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and will diversify revenue streams beyond oil, attract foreign exchange, and create jobs.

With components ranging from mangrove conservation to biochar production, the project is expected to generate between $350 million and $2.8 billion in carbon credit revenue, positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for credible carbon trading in Africa.

HM Edun assured that *the Federal Government is committed to building a transparent carbon market framework with strong governance and pricing mechanisms,* He added *For the private sector, this represents an opportunity to invest in projects that protect the environment while delivering long-term economic returns.*

The Federal Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its readiness to provide the policy, fiscal, and credit-enhancement structures needed to attract both domestic and international financing. The Orteva Carbon Project signals Nigeria’s new economic frontier, where sustainability and profitability converge to power inclusive growth.

The 31st Nigerian Economic Summit held in Abuja today, brought together national leaders, industry captains, and development partners to chart a path towards a trillion-dollar economy, with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, in attendance.

With a focus on bold reforms and inclusive growth, the summit highlighted key initiatives and strategies for achieving sustainable economic development. 

Declaring the event open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  underscored the administration’s commitment to bold reforms that will unlock growth, expand jobs, and ensure shared prosperity. 

Represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the President noted that with interventions such as a ₦200 billion fund for MSMEs and manufacturers, new fiscal measures to grow domestic revenue, and nationwide infrastructure projects, the government signaled its focus on creating an investor-friendly environment where the private sector can thrive as the engine of inclusive transformation. 

The theme of this year’s summit, *The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030*, reflects the urgency of consolidating recent stabilization gains into a trillion-dollar economy that works for all Nigerians.