Economy: We have removed encumbrances hindering growth – Tinubu 

By Myke Agunwa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria’s economy is back on the path of growth, declaring that his administration has dismantled all obstacles hindering the nation’s economic progress.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Bauchi Investment Summit on Wednesday, Tinubu stated that the Federal Government is working to create an enabling environment for investors to thrive and stimulate economic growth across all states.

“The Federal Government has fixed each state as its priority, beyond the increased fiscal allocation now being enjoyed,” Shettima said. “Any affliction to one state slows down the growth and development of others. We must grow together as a nation.”

He added that President Tinubu has “removed termites from the nation’s timber of progress,” emphasizing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace and stability. Shettima noted that past administrations faced resistance while implementing reforms but maintained that Tinubu’s government remains resolute in driving national transformation.

Earlier, former President Olusegun Obasanjo urged leaders to prioritize local content development and channel investment proceeds toward the people’s welfare. “If we get politics right, the next thing is people. Everything in governance should be for their benefit,” he said. Obasanjo also stressed the importance of security and stability, noting that no investor would risk capital in an unstable environment.

He called for greater intergovernmental and regional collaboration to harness the economic potential of Bauchi and the entire Northeast. Citing his partnership with Aliko Dangote during his presidency to boost local cement production, Obasanjo encouraged similar alliances to drive industrial growth.

The summit was attended by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; Deputy Governors of Plateau, Oyo, and Yobe States; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Suleiman Rilwanu Adamu; and former SGF, Alhaji Mahmood Yayale Ahmed, among other dignitaries.