In a bid to steer Nigeria’s economic recovery, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) gathered in Bauchi for the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) Conference.
With the theme “Fostering Economic Growth in Challenging Times: Strategies for Policies and Partnership for Fiscal Sustainability and National Development,” the event drew policymakers and stakeholders to discuss strategies for fiscal sustainability and development.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement on Monday quoted the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to have emphasized the government’s dedication to refocusing resources on vital sectors like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.
These he sais are aimed to reduce poverty and uplift Nigerians as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted direct support programs, such as biometric-based payments for vulnerable households, to mitigate the effects of ongoing reforms.

Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed praised the Federal Government’s vision, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving sustainable development. Discussions centered on forging partnerships across government levels and with the private sector to spur job creation and economic resilience.

The conference concluded with FAAC delegates committed to implementing strategies for Nigeria’s economic revival, underscoring the power of collaboration for national progress.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edu, defended Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, particularly the adoption of market-driven exchange rates and the sale of crude oil in Naira.
Speaking at an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance, Edu highlighted the positive outcomes, especially in terms of increased government revenue.

Edu acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing the reforms but emphasized that the country is already beginning to experience the benefits.
According to him, he said the sales of crude oil in Naira, initiated by President Bola Tinubu, has been particularly impactful, contributing to a stronger domestic financial environment.
Edu’s remarks reflect a broader effort by the government to enhance fiscal management and ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s economic policies.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, stated that the session was convened to assess the effects of these reforms on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2024-2026.
He said It also aimed to address concerns about shortfalls in revenue remittances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), particularly regarding the foreign and domestic excess crude accounts.

The new Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite has officially assumed her role following her confirmation by the Nigerian senate after being appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s arrival was warmly received by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during a welcoming ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Abuja.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement made available to the National Update in Abuja on Monday indicated that the event was attended by top officials, including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, who underscored the Ministry’s dedication to driving forward the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms under its “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Mr. Edun commended Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s commitment to advancing the Ministry’s objectives, lauding her expertise as vital for ongoing economic initiatives.
He acknowledged President Tinubu’s foresight in appointing her to support key reforms, including the establishment of a market-based foreign exchange rate and market-driven petroleum pricing.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pledging to collaborate closely with Mr. Edun in realizing the President’s financial sector mandate.
“I am committed to advancing our nation’s economic goals and delivering on the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria,” she stated, thanking President Tinubu for his trust.

Mrs. Jafiya assured attendees that the Ministry would continue fostering a conducive environment for policy implementation to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

Other dignitaries present included Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), along with directors and department staff from across the Ministry.

The event highlighted a unified vision for an economy built on productivity, investment, and equitable growth.

The coming on board of Dr. Uzoka-Anite marked a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s economic reform journey, setting the stage for enhanced productivity and sustainable growth. With her expertise and the Ministry’s commitment, Nigerians can look forward to a brighter economic future under President Tinubu’s administration.