The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, convened a high-level meeting in Abuja to reinforce collaboration between fiscal and monetary policy authorities. The strategic dialogue is part of ongoing efforts to align economic policies, ensuring macroeconomic stability, enhanced investor confidence, and sustainable growth.
Advancing Nigeria’s Economic Reform Agenda
The finance ministry, in a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, emphasized that both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a unified economic strategy that addresses Nigeria’s current financial challenges. The discussion focused on implementing President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which aim to drive inclusive growth and long-term development.
“As Nigeria stands at the threshold of a new era of economic growth and prosperity, today’s meeting marks a significant leap forward. The country is poised to unlock its full economic potential, create opportunities for all, and secure a brighter future for generations to come,” the statement highlighted.
The meeting follows last week’s two-day interactive session titled “Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Financial Management and National Development”, organized by the finance ministry.
Strengthening Economic Stability Through Policy Alignment
Edun reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to initiatives that drive economic stability, pointing to early successes such as inflation control—particularly in food prices—and exchange rate stabilization. Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Customs Service Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative, “Customs Cares”, in Abuja, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
The minister also lauded the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, for spearheading a corporate responsibility program that aligns with the administration’s financial inclusion and national development goals. The initiative commits approximately four percent of the annual customs wage bill—equivalent to 50 percent of each officer’s one-month salary—to fund social impact projects.
Nigeria Customs Service Expands CSR Initiatives
Adeniyi described the “Customs Cares” program as a broad-based CSR initiative designed to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development across Nigeria. The initiative focuses on six key pillars, including education, social welfare, and infrastructure development, aligning with both Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Inspired by these frameworks, we are implementing a mix of strategic interventions in all areas of our operation, including border regions,” Adeniyi stated. The educational support program, for example, includes adopting schools, conducting infrastructure rehabilitations, providing learning materials, and offering scholarships to deserving students.
To ensure effective execution, the Customs Service has established a dedicated unit under the Office of the CGC to oversee the initiative’s planning, implementation, and monitoring. Adeniyi emphasized that beyond financial contributions, customs officers have pledged voluntary support through time, expertise, and additional resources.
A Collaborative Approach to Economic Growth
The partnership between Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary authorities, coupled with the Customs Service’s social initiatives, underscores a holistic approach to national economic development. As the government works to enhance policy coordination, these initiatives reinforce investor confidence, support financial inclusion, and create tangible economic opportunities for Nigerian communities.
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