By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s economy is on a steady growth path, attributing the progress to his administration’s financial, fiscal and tax reforms, while urging Deloitte Africa to deepen its partnership with the country by supporting investments, youth training and job creation.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Ruwayda Redfearn, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said the reforms implemented over the past three years had stabilised the economy and were attracting increasing recognition for improving growth indicators despite the initial challenges associated with the policy changes.
“We are following the example of Deloitte’s greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people,” the President said.
He acknowledged that reforms often come with short-term difficulties but maintained that they were yielding positive results.
“Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about.
“The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. Some issues are difficult because people have to take the bitter medicine, but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the reforms had strengthened the country’s fiscal and revenue systems, repositioned financial institutions and enhanced Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The President also urged Deloitte Africa to expand its contribution to Nigeria’s development by investing in the country’s youthful population through training and employment opportunities.
Recalling his early accounting career, Tinubu praised Deloitte’s reputation for professional development.
“Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji.
Speaking at the meeting, Oyedele highlighted the gains of the administration’s economic reforms and encouraged Deloitte to prioritise capacity building for young Nigerians.
Earlier, Deloitte Africa Chief Executive Officer Ruwayda Redfearn reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation.
She said the global professional services firm employs more than 500,000 people worldwide, including over 6,000 across Africa, and recorded revenue of $74 billion in 2025.
“We are before you to say that we want to serve. We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country,” she said.
Also speaking, Deloitte Africa Chief Executive Officer, Yomi Olugbenro, said the firm was encouraged by the foundation laid through the government’s reforms and pledged to support efforts to ensure the benefits reach ordinary Nigerians.
He said Deloitte would leverage its global expertise and experience in supporting governments across the world to assist Nigeria in implementing reforms that deliver broader economic dividends.
