National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that they are restoring investor confidence, stimulating economic growth and positioning Nigeria to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
Prof. Nentawe made the remarks on Thursday during Colloquium 2.0, organised in his honour to commemorate his 58th birthday in Jos, where he reflected on leadership, governance and the nation’s economic direction.
Addressing participants, the APC National Chairman described the Tinubu administration’s reforms as bold and necessary decisions that previous governments had contemplated but lacked the political will to implement.
According to him, Nigeria’s economy has made notable progress over the past two years, with the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing from less than $300 billion to approximately $375 billion.
He said the country’s economic growth is now outpacing population growth for the first time in years, while renewed investor confidence is attracting investments back into Nigeria.
“For the first time, our exports have exceeded our imports. Investors are returning to Nigeria because confidence has returned. The productive economy we have long desired is beginning to emerge,” Nentawe said.
The APC chairman attributed the progress to strategic investments in critical infrastructure, including deep seaports, railways, highways and inland dry ports, which he said are reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing regional trade.
He noted that the infrastructure network would strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity, improve connectivity with neighbouring landlocked countries and position the country as the economic hub of West and Central Africa.
Prof. Nentawe stressed that President Tinubu’s development agenda is focused on long-term national transformation rather than short-term political gains.
“President Tinubu has a master plan. He is not building for today alone; he is building a future that our children and grandchildren will inherit,” he stated.
Reflecting on his political journey, the APC National Chairman expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters in Plateau State for standing by him during the 2023 governorship election, describing the experience as the foundation of his emergence on the national political stage.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I am deeply grateful to Mr. President for believing in me. As National Chairman of the APC, I remain committed to marketing the vision of this administration and ensuring victory for our great party,” he said, describing himself as the President’s “chief campaigner.”
Earlier, Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended Nentawe’s leadership, saying he has strengthened the APC and expanded its membership across the country.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ngo Josephine Piyo, described Prof. Nentawe as an accomplished academic, technocrat and administrator whose leadership has continued to inspire young Nigerians.
In his remarks, the National Convener of the colloquium, Comrade Gaknung Seri, said the event was organised not only to celebrate Nentawe’s 58th birthday but also to document his contributions to education, leadership and national development.
Seri explained that the organisers deliberately chose to honour the APC National Chairman during his lifetime to enable younger generations learn from his experiences, values and commitment to public service.
He described Prof. Nentawe as a symbol of selfless service, dedication to education and youth mentorship, noting that the colloquium was designed to preserve his leadership legacy while inspiring future generations.
