Nentawe’s 58th Birthday Colloquium: Nigeria on Path to $1tr Economy, Says APC Chairman
By Comfort Pius, Jos
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has expressed optimism that Nigeria is on the path to achieving a $1 trillion economy, attributing the prospect to the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nentawe spoke on Thursday in Jos at Colloquium 2.0, organised to commemorate his 58th birthday, where he reflected on leadership, governance, economic reforms and Nigeria’s development trajectory.
The APC chairman said the reforms had begun to restore investor confidence, attract investments and stimulate productive activities, describing them as difficult but necessary measures for repositioning the country’s economy.
According to him, successive administrations had recognised the need for fundamental economic reforms but lacked the political will to implement some of the measures now being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.
He said Nigeria had recorded notable economic progress over the past two years, with the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rising from below $300 billion to about $375 billion.
Nentawe further said economic growth was now beginning to outpace population growth, while renewed confidence in the economy was encouraging investors to return to the country.
“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,” he said.
He attributed the development to investments in critical infrastructure, including deep seaports, railways, highways and inland dry ports, which he said were helping to reduce the cost of doing business and improve regional trade.
The APC national chairman said the infrastructure projects would strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity, improve connectivity with neighbouring landlocked countries and enhance the country’s position as an economic hub in West and Central Africa.
Nentawe maintained that the Tinubu administration’s development agenda was focused on long-term national transformation rather than 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 stated.
Reflecting on his political journey, Nentawe expressed appreciation to APC leaders and supporters in Plateau State for their support during the 2023 governorship election, describing the experience as an important foundation for his subsequent emergence on the national political stage.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for President Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I am deeply grateful to Mr. President for believing in me. As National Chairman of the APC, I remain committed to marketing the vision of this administration and ensuring victory for our great party,” he said.
Nentawe described himself as the President’s “chief campaigner,” pledging to continue communicating the administration’s policies and programmes to Nigerians.
Earlier, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended Nentawe’s leadership of the ruling party.
He said the APC national chairman had strengthened the party and contributed to expanding its membership and political reach across the country.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Ngo Josephine Piyo, described Nentawe as an accomplished academic, technocrat and administrator whose leadership had continued to inspire younger Nigerians.
The National Convener of the colloquium, Comrade Gaknung Seri, said the event was organised not only to celebrate Nentawe’s 58th birthday but also to document his contributions to education, leadership and national development.
Seri said the organisers deliberately chose to honour Nentawe during his lifetime to enable younger generations learn from his experiences, values and commitment to public service.
He described the APC chairman as a symbol of selfless service, dedication to education and youth mentorship, adding that the colloquium was designed to preserve his leadership legacy while inspiring future generations.
