The All Progressives Congress (APC) has outlined the economic strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aimed at growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030.
The roadmap was presented by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, while representing President Tinubu at the second edition of the Asiwaju Scorecard Series and Policy Roundtable organised by the APC Professional Forum.
Yilwatda identified infrastructure development, human capital investment and increased domestic production as major pillars of the administration’s strategy to achieve the ambitious economic target.
According to him, the government inherited an economy facing several structural challenges, including distortions created by fuel subsidies, foreign exchange shortages, weak revenue mobilisation and inadequate infrastructure investment.
He said the administration responded to some of these challenges through major reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange market.
The APC chairman argued that the reforms were necessary to establish a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth and attract greater investment into the country.
He also highlighted improvements recorded in some economic indicators, including Nigeria’s external reserves, which had risen to approximately $52.7 billion as of August 2026.
Yilwatda said the government’s economic agenda was not limited to stabilising existing conditions but was designed to increase productive capacity and position Nigeria as a more competitive economy.
Infrastructure At The Centre Of Economic Expansion
Infrastructure development remains a major component of the administration’s plan.
The APC said investment in transportation, energy and other critical infrastructure would help reduce the cost of doing business, improve productivity and encourage private-sector investment.
The proposed strategy includes strengthening Nigeria’s transportation and logistics network, with plans for an integrated maritime and logistics corridor connecting major deep-sea ports in Lagos, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Rivers.
The party believes that better transport infrastructure and more efficient movement of goods would strengthen domestic trade while improving Nigeria’s ability to compete in international markets.
Focus On Production And Investment
The administration is also placing emphasis on increasing local production and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
According to the APC, greater domestic production will create employment opportunities, strengthen local industries and improve Nigeria’s capacity to generate foreign exchange.
The party said the government’s policies are intended to create an environment where businesses can expand and investors can commit more capital to the Nigerian economy.
The strategy also includes measures aimed at strengthening productive sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and other industries capable of contributing significantly to economic growth.
Human Capital Development
Human capital development is another important part of the roadmap.
The APC said Nigeria’s large population could become a major economic advantage if properly equipped with the skills required by modern industries.
Investment in education, technical training, digital skills and employment opportunities is therefore expected to form part of the broader strategy.
The party maintained that a growing economy must translate into improved opportunities for Nigerians rather than relying solely on increases in headline economic figures.
Reforms And Long-Term Growth
The APC also defended the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, arguing that some of the measures were necessary to correct longstanding weaknesses in the Nigerian economy.
The removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms generated significant economic pressures and public debate, but the government has consistently maintained that the measures were required to create a more sustainable economic structure.
The administration has subsequently focused on attracting investment, strengthening government revenue and increasing production.
Nigeria’s economy recorded real growth of 4.43 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, up from 3.89 per cent in the first quarter, according to recently released figures. Both oil and non-oil sectors contributed to the expansion.
The latest growth figures, however, remain below the administration’s earlier ambition of achieving significantly higher annual growth rates.
APC Defends Tinubu’s Economic Agenda
The APC said the $1 trillion target should be viewed as part of a broader effort to transform Nigeria’s economic structure rather than simply as a numerical objective.
The party maintained that sustained investment in infrastructure, productive industries, human capital and business development would be critical to achieving the target.
It also stressed the importance of cooperation between the Federal Government, state governments, private-sector operators and other stakeholders.
The roadmap is expected to build on the administration’s wider medium-term development strategy, including the Renewed Hope Development Plan, which targets a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The APC said the success of the plan would ultimately depend on translating economic reforms into increased production, investment, employment and improved living standards for Nigerians.
