ZENTSFM News – A diaspora chieftain and former APC Scandinavia Chairman, Mr. Ayoola Lawal, has called on Nigerian banks to actively support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms. His remarks come on the heels of President Tinubu’s national broadcast marking his second year in office.
Mr. Lawal, who also served as General Secretary of the APC Diaspora Forum of Chairmen, commended the Tinubu administration for what he described as a “historic step”—removing Nigeria from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) debtors’ list. He said the move signals a renewed path toward financial sovereignty and economic self-determination.
While speaking exclusively to ZENTSFM, Lawal emphasized that the reforms must go beyond fiscal headlines and begin to positively impact the everyday lives of Nigerians. He challenged local banks to do more than report profits, urging them to become key players in inclusive economic growth through affordable loans, SME support, and investments in critical sectors like agriculture and tech.
“Our banks must become engines of national development, not just institutions of record profits,” he stated. He also encouraged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enact smart, enabling regulations that foster inclusive growth while safeguarding fiscal discipline.
In his address, President Tinubu highlighted strides made under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including a declining inflation rate, increased oil investments, reduced debt servicing pressures, and stronger national revenue. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to job creation, anti-corruption, security, and poverty reduction.
Lawal concluded by expressing optimism that with sustained collaboration between government, financial institutions, and the private sector, Nigeria could become a leading example of economic revival across the African continent.
