4.4% GROWTH, BIG BETS & HARD REFORMS: CAN NIGERIA’S ECONOMY FINALLY BREAK THROUGH IN 2026?

Описание: Nigeria’s economic story may be turning a decisive corner,and the numbers are finally beginning to tell a more hopeful tale. According to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects Report, Nigeria’s economy is projected to grow by 4.4 percent in both 2026 and 2027, marking the fastest sustained growth rate the country has seen in over a decade. For an economy long weighed down by structural bottlenecks, oil dependency, and policy uncertainty, this forecast is more than just a statistic, it is a signal.

On this edition of the Eastern Business Report Discussion Segment, we unpack what lies beneath the optimism. The World Bank attributes the projected growth to a continued expansion of the services sector, a rebound in agricultural output, and a modest but important acceleration in non-oil industries. In other words, Nigeria’s economy appears to be slowly diversifying away from its historic oil fixation, leaning instead on productivity, consumption, and reform-driven confidence.

At the heart of this forecast are Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, from the rollout of a newly structured tax system aimed at broadening the revenue base, to a more disciplined monetary policy framework designed to tame inflation and stabilise the macroeconomic environment. But while reforms look good on paper, the real question remains: will they translate into jobs, lower living costs, and inclusive growth for everyday Nigerians?

To critically examine these projections, we are joined by Prof. Chiwuike Uba, Development Economist and Chairman, Board of Trustees, ACUF, who brings both academic depth and policy insight to the conversation. Together, we interrogate whether the World Bank’s optimism reflects a genuine economic turnaround or a fragile recovery vulnerable to shocks—from global volatility to domestic implementation gaps.

This discussion goes beyond headline figures to ask the tougher questions:
What sectors will truly drive Nigeria’s growth?
Can tax reforms boost productivity without stifling small businesses?
And is Nigeria finally building an economy that works beyond oil cycles and political timelines?

As Nigeria eyes 2026, growth is no longer just about percentages, it is about credibility, consistency, and capacity. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking.

This is the Eastern Business Report—where forecasts meet facts, and optimism is tested against reality.

#EasternBusinessReport #NigeriaEconomy #WorldBankForecast #EconomicReforms #NonOilGrowth #BusinessAnalysis #afiatv