The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has said the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu are restoring investor confidence, stimulating growth and laying the foundation for Nigeria to attain a $1 trillion economy.

Nentawe stated this on Thursday at Colloquium 2.0 held in his honour to mark his 58th birthday in Jos, Plateau State.

He defended the policies of the Tinubu administration, describing them as bold decisions that previous governments had considered but lacked the political will to implement.

According to him, Nigeria’s economy has recorded significant progress under the current administration, with GDP rising from below $300 billion to about $375 billion within two years.

He said the economy was growing faster than the country’s population for the first time in years.

He added that the reforms had helped restore international confidence and attracted investors back 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.

The APC chairman said the Federal Government’s investments in infrastructure, including deep seaports, railways, highways and inland dry ports, were aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, boosting regional trade and positioning Nigeria as the economic hub of West and Central Africa.

He explained that the planned infrastructure network would enhance Nigeria’s export capacity and open new economic opportunities, particularly through improved connectivity with neighbouring landlocked countries.

Nentawe said the administration’s development agenda was not focused on immediate political gains but on creating a sustainable future for coming generations.

“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.

The APC national chairman also expressed appreciation to party leaders in Plateau State for supporting his political journey, particularly during the 2023 governorship election, which he described as the platform that launched him into national politics.

He pledged to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing himself as the president’s “chief campaigner”.

“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 added.

Earlier, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended Nentawe’s leadership, saying he had strengthened the party and expanded its membership base.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, described the APC chairman as an accomplished academic, technocrat and administrator whose leadership had inspired young Nigerians.

The colloquium’s National Convener, Comrade Gaknung Seri, said the event was organised not only to celebrate Nentawe but also to document his contributions to education, leadership and national development.

Seri said the organisers chose to honour the APC chairman during his lifetime to enable younger generations learn from his experiences and leadership journey.

He described Nentawe as a symbol of selfless service, commitment to education and youth mentorship, adding that the event was designed to preserve his values and inspire future leaders.