By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has inaugurated a National Economic Advisory Council to strengthen its mission of fostering an open, inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
The Council which was launched at the NESG office in Abuja at the weekend consists of distinguished economic experts with significant research experience in African and Nigerian economic issues.
The Council will convene quarterly to receive briefings on the Nigerian economy, deliberate on key findings and challenges, and provide strategic advice to the NESG on short, medium, and long-term economic policy advocacy. Additionally, the Council will hold an annual retreat to evaluate and refine the NESG Research Agenda and assess its impact on NESG’s advocacy and reform activities.
In his remarks, NESG Chairman Niyi Yusuf emphasised the urgency of inaugurating the Council in light of ongoing economic challenges such as the rapid implementation of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms, food insecurity, declining living standards and poor Human Capital Development (HCD) indicators, among others.
He said: “Nigeria has encountered various economic and political obstacles in recent years, underscoring the urgent need to redesign its systems and address structural issues. One of Nigeria’s pressing concerns is translating economic growth into improved lives and livelihood of all its citizens.
“Despite experiencing growth, the country grapples with income disparity, multidimensional poverty and working poverty. These challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources, macroeconomic instability, and institutional deficiencies.”
Mr Yusuf highlighted the role of the Council, comprising some of the most brilliant and experienced minds, in guiding the NESG on the evolving economic development philosophies, policy frameworks, and approaches that align with its mission.
“With your support, the NESG will continue to lead the charge in economic policy advocacy, fostering an environment where the private sector can thrive and contribute to the nation’s development. We are deeply grateful and I express my deepest appreciation to each of you for accepting this invitation to serve and drive meaningful change that can shape the future of our economy,” he said.
The new council members include: Professor Osita Ogbu, Co-Chair; Dr. Mohammad Sagagi, Co-Chair; Dr. Friday Kanu Ohunche; Professor Risikat Oladoyin Dauda, Professor of Economics, University of Lagos; Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Managing Director, Research and Trade Intelligence & Group Chief Economist at the African Export-Import Bank; Jonathan Aremu, Professor of International Economic Relations; Dr. Aloysius Uche Ordu, Professor Ummu Ahmed Jalingo and Dr. Adedoyin Salami.
Ogbu is a Professor of Economics and former Director of the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He also is the Managing Director/CEO of African Development Solutions International (ADSI), a knowledge-based consulting firm based in Abuja.
Dr. Sagagi is an Economist and Development Consultant with a strong academic background and extensive private and public sector experience in Nigeria.
Dr. Ohuche is currently Senior Policy and Research Consultant Adviser to African Development Bank Group (AfDB). In addition, he currently Chairs the Economic Governance Sub- Committee of African Union/ APRM Expert Committee on the development of Governance Index for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Dauda is a Professor of Economics of the University of Lagos. She has a wealth of experience in teaching, research and consultancy on issues of African development.
Dr. Kale is currently Group Managing Director, Research and Trade Intelligence & Group Chief Economist at the African Export-Import Bank. Before this role he was Partner and the Chief Economist/ Head of West African Research at KPMG Financial Services
Aremu, is a Professor of International Economic Relations and a former Acting Vice Chancellor of the Covenant University(CU), Ota, Nigeria between 2004 and 2005. He is also a Consultant, at ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) on Common Investment Market (ECIM), Abuja.
Dr Ordu is a member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He is also a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. He previously served as Director of the Africa Growth Initiative in the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings.
Professor Jalingo, a distinguished economist and academic, has made significant contributions to the field of economics and education in Nigeria. Hailing from Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, she is celebrated as the first female Professor of Economics from Northern Nigeria. READ ALSO:
- AFCON 2025Q: Eguavoen Vows Super Eagles Will Fight To Beat Benin Republic
- AFCON 2025Q: Super Eagles Ready To Devour Cheetahs — Troost-Ekong
- How I made US-based Nigerian to donate N15m to her alma mater — Obi
- NNPC Ltd Set to Supply Gas to Dangote Refinery
- NNPCL Board Makes Leadership Appointments
Dr. Salami is currently Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KAINOS Edge Consulting Ltd. – a Management Consulting firm focused on markets research and corporate governance consulting. He recently returned to this role after completing an 18-month stint as Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to President Mohammadu Buhari.
Meanwhile, the Council’s Co-Chair tenure is two years, renewable for two additional terms, upon review by the NESG Board. Council members can have a term of three years, renewable for two additional terms upon review by the Board.
