Ogunlesi, Adedeji Endorse Tinubu’s Economic Agenda, Push for Export-Driven Growth

Global Diaspora investor and Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Adebayo Ogunlesi, has reaffirmed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as key to restoring investor trust and positioning Nigeria for global competitiveness.

Ogunlesi, who met with President Tinubu in Lagos, said the administration’s economic direction particularly subsidy removal, tax reforms, and refinery revitalisation—signals a new era of pragmatic leadership. He commended the government’s focus on fiscal discipline and sustainable industrial growth, adding that such measures have rekindled foreign investor interest.

“We had an excellent meeting focused on putting Nigeria at the forefront of global investment. The President’s vision aligns with long-term private sector growth,” Ogunlesi told journalists.

While noting that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria, the GIP chairman said energy, aviation, and ports remain priority sectors. “Nigeria’s gas resources are underutilised. With the right partnerships, the sector can drive sustainable development,” he added.

In a lighthearted moment, Ogunlesi revealed that Tinubu challenged him to replicate his firm’s port investments in neighbouring countries like Benin and Togo within Nigeria’s borders. “He forgave me for not doing so earlier but made it clear that Nigeria must be next,” Ogunlesi quipped.

Echoing the same optimism, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, said Tinubu’s fiscal and structural policies are laying the foundation for an export-led economy.

“The fundamentals have been fixed. Our focus now is growth through value addition and non-oil exports,” Adedeji stated.

Also present at the meeting, investor and philanthropist Hakeem Bello-Osagie underscored the role of Nigerians in the diaspora in supporting national transformation. “When Nigerians abroad invest at home, it strengthens confidence and sends a strong message globally,” he said.

With growing international confidence, experts believe Nigeria’s current reform momentum could trigger transformative investments across strategic sectors, from infrastructure to renewable energy, in the coming months.