President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s openness to learning from successful global models, emphasizing that Nigeria is not ashamed to adopt strategies that work in other countries.
Speaking during a meeting with an Airtel delegation led by Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu stated that his government would review the regulatory framework of the telecommunications sector to align with global best practices, with a strong focus on infrastructure protection.
“I appreciate your openness and confidence, which strengthened our discussions with the Prime Minister of India during his visit. We had extensive talks, and if there are lessons to be learned from India, we are ready to adopt them,” Tinubu said in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
“We are prepared to learn and implement what works elsewhere. This is in the best interest of our nation. Nigeria is too important not to embrace transformative policies that support business growth. I am pro-business and will always be,” the President added.
Commitment to Tax Reforms
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to tax reforms that will foster a more favorable environment for investors.
“We will collaborate with tax administrators to ensure policies that encourage business expansion and economic opportunities,” he assured.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, commended Tinubu’s consistent support for the telecom sector. He highlighted the President’s approval of fiber optic and undersea cables as critical national assets, noting that the National Security Adviser’s office has begun enforcing the law to protect them.
Airtel Chairman Applauds Economic Reforms
Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, comparing them to measures that revitalized India’s economy in 1991.
“When you took office, you made bold commitments. Given Nigeria’s economic situation, I was uncertain about how far-reaching your actions would be. However, your reforms remind me of India’s transformation in 1991, when we were on the brink of economic collapse,” Mittal said.
He noted that policy shifts such as currency floating and deregulation helped turn India into a major global economy and lauded Nigeria’s ongoing progress.
“The naira’s movement from N450 to around N1900 and now stabilizing between N1400 and N1500 is a remarkable achievement recognized globally. The removal of the petrol subsidy was another tough but necessary decision. These policies will leave a lasting legacy,” Mittal added.
He further urged more Nigerian investors with financial portfolios abroad to reinvest in the country, stating that confidence in the economy is growing and momentum will pick up quickly.