The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, today received in his Abuja office a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), led by its President, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deeper collaboration in shaping evidence-based economic policy.
Mr. Edun described the NES as “the intellectual and statistical repository of applied economics in Nigeria,” stressing that its research and policy recommendations are critical for guiding reforms that can unlock private sector investment, foster fiscal stability, and accelerate sustainable growth.
He pledged the Ministry’s full support for the Society’s forthcoming annual conference, noting that stronger policy dialogue between government and the economics profession will boost market confidence and deliver better economic outcomes.
Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, observed that the Society’s work provides a clearer, more accurate narrative of Nigeria’s economy — an essential factor in attracting investment and sustaining reform momentum.
Outlining the theme of the conference, “Rethinking Africa’s Development: Pathways Forward,” Prof. Adenikinju said the event will bring together eminent economists, including Nobel laureate Prof. Roy Pearson, to debate strategies for inclusive growth, fiscal sustainability, and innovation. The gathering will feature over 200 academic papers and engage 500 economics students, building the capacity of Nigeria’s next generation of policy leaders.