The Presidency says Nigeria is on a “healing journey” and firmly on course to build a 1 trillion dollar economy by 2030, driven by reforms to deepen economic and financial inclusion and position the country as Africa’s leading borderless digital hub.
Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen Zauro, said this in Abuja at a media parley to unveil the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference and Expo, which Nigeria will host from May 20 to 22 under the patronage of the Office of the Vice President.
Zauro said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set a clear growth target from his first day in office, anchored on restoring confidence, expanding inclusion and attracting investment. He explained that achieving the 1 trillion dollar goal by 2030 will require building trust, infrastructure and inclusion, supported by policies that encourage partnership and collaboration.
The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference, themed “Building trust, infrastructure, inclusion and policy for a borderless economy,” is being organised with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion and the Inter Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa.
Zauro acknowledged that recent economic reforms have been painful for citizens but insisted they are necessary to secure long term recovery. He likened the process to a parent allowing a sick child to undergo surgery in order to return to health, saying Nigeria is now on a healing path.
According to him, key economic indicators are beginning to improve as investor confidence slowly returns. He said “the numbers are changing,” investors are coming back and Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa is being reinforced.
He noted that the administration is deliberately leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to strengthen Nigeria’s regional influence. The President and Vice President, he added, have been engaging global partners to attract collaboration and investment into the economy.
On financial inclusion, Zauro said the agenda is driven by a presidential directive and anchored on the ASO Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion, which emphasises commitment, partnership and collaboration across all levels of government.
He explained that the inclusion drive has been elevated to the National Economic Council to guarantee buy in from state governments and ensure that policies made at the centre reach sub national levels so that no Nigerian is left behind.
Conference organisers stressed that multi stakeholder engagement is vital to solving long standing challenges facing citizens and businesses, especially in rural and underserved areas. They said expanding market access and efficient payment systems can significantly boost productivity and economic output.
“If people have access to markets and can receive payments seamlessly, even from remote communities, productivity will increase,” they said, adding that inclusive dialogue and practical solutions are key to unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential.
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