The incoming Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Omoboyede Olusanya, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s economic policy priorities from achieving impressive growth figures to delivering measurable improvements in employment, incomes, productivity and living standards.

Olusanya said the country’s economic performance should be assessed by its impact on ordinary Nigerians rather than macroeconomic indicators alone, stressing that recent economic reforms must translate into poverty reduction and expanded opportunities.

According to a statement issued by the NESG on Sunday, he made the call during the closing session of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on October 26 and 27, 2026.

“Growth that delivers is growth whose impact is strongly felt,” Olusanya said, explaining that economic progress should enable farmers to earn more, manufacturers to reduce production costs, graduates to secure decent jobs and businesses to access affordable financing.

He added that children should also benefit from improved nutrition and healthcare as part of the broader gains of economic development.

The incoming chairman acknowledged that recent reforms had contributed to restoring macroeconomic stability but maintained that such progress would remain insufficient without improvements in household welfare.

“Bridging the distance between macroeconomic stability and accelerated growth, and between accelerated growth and improved lives and livelihoods, is the task before us all,” he stated.

Olusanya introduced “Growth that Delivers” as the guiding principle of his tenure, outlining five commitments aimed at translating economic policies into measurable outcomes.

He pledged to strengthen accountability by ensuring that priority commitments emerging from the summit had designated implementation officers, timelines and measurable performance indicators.

According to him, the NESG would build on its existing accountability framework and publish progress reports ahead of the 33rd Nigerian Economic Summit.

He also promised to strengthen research and policy intelligence, with emphasis on practical, evidence-based recommendations aligned with the National Development Plan 2026–2030.

On investment, Olusanya said the group would collaborate with government institutions, financial organisations and development partners to convert policy proposals into bankable projects.

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, entrepreneurship and skills development as priority sectors for investment mobilisation.

The chairman also pledged to expand economic opportunities across Nigeria’s states, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises and informal-sector businesses under the Scale Nigeria agenda.

His fifth commitment focused on strengthening the NESG’s institutional independence, expanding membership and increasing the participation of women and young people.

Olusanya urged governments at all levels to sustain economic reforms while reducing electricity costs, logistics expenses and other barriers to business operations.

He also called for predictable economic policies supported by clear implementation targets.

The incoming chairman challenged private-sector operators to invest in productive activities, improve workforce skills, pay workers fairly and create sustainable employment opportunities.

He urged young Nigerians to develop relevant skills, establish businesses and demand accountability from public institutions, while calling on civil society organisations to monitor government commitments.

Olusanya further encouraged development partners to align financial assistance with Nigeria’s priorities and measurable development outcomes.

Acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing chairman, Niyi Yusuf, he pledged to preserve the NESG’s independence and non-partisan character.

“Our allegiance is to national prosperity and not to any administration,” he said.

He maintained that cooperation between government, businesses, researchers and civil society would be essential to achieving inclusive economic development.

“Growth that works must become growth that delivers. Let us deliver,” Olusanya concluded.

The summit, themed “Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,” brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, development partners and civil society representatives to examine Nigeria’s economic priorities.

Olusanya is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Flour Mills of Nigeria, a position he assumed in January 2021 after serving as the company’s Group Chief Operating Officer.

He previously held senior executive positions at 9mobile, Dangote Industries and Helios Investment Partners, with experience spanning telecommunications, manufacturing, energy and finance.

Before his emergence as chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, he served as its vice-chairman and chaired its Food Security Business Council and Nomination and Governance Committee.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos and master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester, respectively.