The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy, saying its role in facilitating policy dialogue and strategic advocacy will remain central to achieving the national economic target.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to The Nation headquarters in Lagos, yesterday, Chairperson of the Media and Communications Subcommittee for the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#31), Mojisola Saka, said the NESG has consistently served as a catalyst for impactful economic policies through its annual summits and engagements with the public and private sectors.
She said: “I may not have the economic figures, but I can tell you that $1 trillion is even the least that can be achieved.
The NESG’s work is helping to unlock that vision by facilitating collaboration between the private sector, government, and development partners. We are not a policy-making body, but our advocacy and dialogue have led to major national reforms.”
While acknowledging some founding fathers such as Chief Ernest Shonekan, Chief Pascal Dozie, Ahmed Joda, she cited past achievements of the group, including its role in influencing the GSM revolution, pension reforms, and banking sector transformation — all of which originated from summit-led dialogues and consultations.
The visit was part of NESG’s ongoing engagement with media stakeholders ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit scheduled to hold from October 6 to 8, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Saka led a delegation including the group’s Head of Strategic Communications and Advocacy, Ayanyinka Ayalowo, and committee members Oluwatobi Abodunrin and Deji Atunwa.
According to Saka, the summit will focus on five key themes: economy, gender, food security, infrastructure, and investment.
She disclosed that this year’s edition will dedicate a full day to sub-national engagement, aimed at connecting state governments with global investors.
“On Day 3 of the summit, we are bringing state governors and the investment community into the same room to hold direct discussions on financing development at the subnational level. Subnationals are closer to the people and should not depend solely on the federal government for growth,” she said.
She emphasised the need for sustained media partnership to amplify summit outcomes and track their implementation, stating: “We are not here just to place adverts, we are seeking a long-term technical partnership with The Nation to drive awareness, shape narratives, and push accountability around national economic conversations.”
Welcoming the delegation, Editor of The Nation, Adeniyi Adesina, acknowledged NESG’s role in economic development and requested clarity on how the Group intends to support President Tinubu’s economic plan.
“I would have asked the NESG CEO if he were here, what exactly the group’s contribution to achieving the $1 trillion economy. That’s a very important question, and we’ll still want an answer,” he said.
Responding, Saka explained that NESG’s contribution lies in its ability to create platforms for collaboration, influence policy direction through research, and maintain ongoing conversations that support reform. “The work we do behind the scenes is significant. Our summit provides the room, the research, and the network for key economic decisions to take shape.”
Group Business Editor, Simeon Ebulu, said The Nation is open to a robust partnership with the NESG. “Our name was deliberately chosen – The Nation, to reflect our commitment to national development. We’re glad to collaborate with you, especially if it helps in moving the country forward.”
Also speaking, Ayalowo expressed appreciation for The Nation’s consistent support over the years. “Every time we call, The Nation responds, whether in Lagos or Abuja. That reliability is what we value and hope to deepen.”
Saka noted that the NESG’s work is guided by data and evidence-based research, often in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics and international institutions. “We don’t just speculate. Our numbers are fact-checked, and our recommendations are grounded in data.”
Addressing concerns about policy implementation, she said, “That the conversation continues across successive governments is proof that NESG’s work has value. We may not enforce policy, but we create the platforms where meaningful policy ideas are born.”
We are a conversation, collaboration-driving platform. So we do not have responsibility, I don’t think anybody in this room can say today to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ‘this is what you should do’. We could advise in our individual capacity or collective capacity, but it’s just advice. It’s not mandatory to be taken. That is what the NESG does.
She added that the Group operates with strict ethical standards and is driven by a sense of national duty. “We are self-funding volunteers. Everyone at NESG contributes out of commitment to Nigeria, not for personal gain.”
The NESG presented a compendium of summation from their previous engagements to The Nation editorial team at the end of the visit, symbolising its appreciation and commitment to continued partnership.
“The media is critical to everything we’re doing. This is not just about a summit. It’s about shaping Nigeria’s future together,” Saka said. (THE NATION)
