The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen from below $300 billion to about $375 billion in two years.
Mr Yilwatda made the claim on Thursday in Jos, Plateau State, while speaking at a colloquium organised to mark his 58th birthday.
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He said the increase in GDP, which he attributed to the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, showed that the reforms were beginning to produce results despite the economic difficulties associated with their implementation.
According to him, Nigeria’s economic growth is now outpacing population growth, while improved investor confidence and increased exports are signs of a recovery in the productive sector.
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“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,” Mr Yilwatda said.
The APC chairman said the administration’s investments in deep seaports, railways, highways and inland dry ports were intended to reduce the cost of doing business and expand Nigeria’s capacity to compete in regional and international trade.
He said the infrastructure projects would also support the federal government’s ambition of growing the Nigerian economy to $1 trillion.
“Every kilometre of road constructed represents increased commerce, improved security and accelerated economic development,” he said.
Mr Yilwatda described the reforms as a long-term economic restructuring programme rather than measures designed to produce immediate 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 said.
Yilwatda links reforms to 2027
The APC chairman also linked the administration’s economic performance to the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.
Mr Yilwatda said he would mobilise support for Mr Tinubu’s re-election, describing himself as the president’s “chief campaigner.”
He expressed confidence that the APC would win the 2027 elections.
The remarks came against the backdrop of the APC administration’s controversial economic measures, including the removal of petrol subsidy and ongoing tax reforms, which have triggered significant economic adjustments and public debate.
Mutfwang backs $1 trillion target
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who delivered the keynote address, also referenced the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economic target.
Mr Mutfwang identified subsidy removal, tax restructuring and increased investment in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and technology as some of the measures being pursued to achieve the target.
He, however, focused largely on Mr Yilwatda’s career, describing him as an academic, technocrat and administrator.
“Leadership is ultimately a sacred trust. It demands vision beyond personal ambition; history does not merely record titles; it remembers impact,” the governor said.
The governor’s participation in the event is notable because he recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move that has altered the political dynamics in Plateau State.
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APC leadership commended
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended Mr Yilwatda for his leadership of the APC.
Mr Audu said the APC chairman had contributed to the expansion of the party’s membership and the conduct of its nationwide primaries with minimal disputes.
The national convener of the colloquium, Gaknung Seri, said the event was organised to examine Mr Yilwatda’s contributions to education, leadership and national development.
The event was attended by political leaders, academics, youths and other stakeholders.
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