Revenue Rising, Economy Moving In Right Direction — Wale Edun

Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, on Tuesday, disclosed that Nigeria’s economy is moving in the right direction.

According to him, policies of the current administration are having positive impact on the economic setting of the nation.

The Minister who spoke on Channels Television’s programme from Washington DC said the Federal Government has made significant improvements in terms of oil revenues as well as stabilising the foreign exchange market.

“We are here to emphasise what has been done so far. We’ve all seen what has happened in terms of stabilising the exchange rate and inflation. Though it’s still ticking up, it’s headed in the right direction.

“If you look closely at the numbers that came out yesterday, you’ll see that there is a slowing of the rate of increase of food inflation. So things are moving in the right direction. Government revenues are up, even oil revenues are up not as much as we would like.

“So we’re here to present what the President has done so far and give an indication of what is to come. And I think also to give a sense of the optimism that is really the mood in Nigeria right now.

“What is next is what matters most and there is still a long way to go. We have seen some good signs of recovery, good signs that we’re going in the right direction, but there is much more needed before we get to achieving the real goal of Mr. President, which is growing the economy and reducing poverty.

“For that we need resources. We’re here to sit around the table with financiers. multilaterals that have chief financing, grand financing even bilaterals as well as to encourage investors.

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“The important thing about these conversations is that the world is watching and a lot of investors take their cue from the kind of reactions and statements that come out from these types of gatherings.

“So as you’ve noticed, there have been very positive statements made about the progress made given the types of policies that have been implemented so far to come and invest in Nigeria.

“And we always emphasise the interest is in domestic investment. Nigerians investing in the Nigerian economy, as well as of course foreigners who want to invest and add value are welcome,” the Minister said.

Edun alongside other key ministers as well as Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, are in Washington DC for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings.

Speaking further, Edun who is also the head of the African finance ministers said the continent wants “a better deal” from the multilateral institutions.

He also said Africa looks forward to receiving lower financing charges and more resources.

“For instance, when you look at climate change, when you look at global warming, Africa accounts for maybe 3 percent or less of the world’s global warming yet, Africa suffers from the effects of climate change much more disproportionately, and therefore, it is looking for much more help in that direction, much more resources being provided.

“And essentially at the end of the day, much more help for the smaller countries, the coastal countries that are suffering so much from flooding, and other effects of climate change.

“So really, Africa is here for a better deal from the world economy and from the managers of the world economy,” Edun said.

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