Oborevwori credits Tinubu reforms, proposes national dialogue

The Punch reports on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's optimistic assessment of Nigeria's economic trajectory and his call for enhanced national unity.

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We are seeing a good example of that in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a bold and courageous leader who has demonstrated the political will that is needed to put Nigeria on the path of economic recovery, growth, and stability.

Governor Oborevwori expressed confidence that Nigeria's economy is on a path to recovery, attributing this positive outlook directly to the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu. He specifically cited the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as critical, albeit initially challenging, decisions that are now yielding favorable outcomes. According to the governor, these macroeconomic stabilization programs have begun to stimulate the economy, leading to improved revenue flows for subnational governments, which in turn enables them to undertake vital development projects. This perspective aligns with the administration's narrative of necessary sacrifices for long-term economic health.

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The removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira in the foreign exchange market were two tough decisions necessary to jump-start the economy.

Beyond economic recovery, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the crucial role of inclusive governance in fostering national unity. He proposed the institutionalization of a national conference, to be held every 10 years, as a structured mechanism for dialogue and engagement among stakeholders. This, he argued, would move beyond ad hoc crisis management and embed recurring, structured engagement into Nigeria's governance architecture. Such a conference, supported by an independent secretariat and legislative backing, would aim to strengthen the bonds of unity and ensure that governance is more responsive to the diverse needs of the Nigerian populace.

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After the initial hiccups of his macroeconomic stabilisation programmes, I can say without any fear of contradiction that the economy is on the rebound.

From a Nigerian perspective, this speech touches upon two vital national conversations: economic reform and national cohesion. While the governor's praise for the Tinubu administration's reforms reflects a segment of political and economic opinion, the initial 'hiccups' he mentions are keenly felt by ordinary citizens facing increased costs of living. The proposal for a periodic national conference, however, resonates deeply with historical calls for dialogue to address Nigeria's complex ethnic and regional diversity. Unlike Western nations where such broad national dialogues might be less frequent, Nigeria's history of ethnic tensions and regional disparities makes structured, recurring engagement a vital tool for managing diversity and preventing fragmentation. Oborevwori's call for institutionalizing this process suggests a recognition that unity requires continuous, deliberate effort beyond electoral cycles.

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It is my considered view that one of the most practical pathways towards achieving inclusive governance and strengthening national unity in Nigeria is the institutionalisation of a periodic national conference of stakeholders.