Tag: Obi Ibekwe

  • Firms identify early signs of economic stability, improved forex liquidity

    Firms identify early signs of economic stability, improved forex liquidity

    Nigeria’s economy appears to be turning a corner, with early signs of stability and improving investor sentiment following a series of far-reaching structural reforms, according to the 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook: A Financial and Professional Services Perspective launched by EnterpriseNGR in collaboration with EY.

    The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s economic trajectory, examining the effects of recent policy shifts such as foreign exchange market liberalisation, fiscal recalibration and measures to strengthen the financial system. Together, these reforms are reshaping Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape and redefining its investment outlook.

    Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer, Obi Ibekwe, said Nigeria is gradually moving from a difficult adjustment phase into a period of stabilisation and renewed confidence.

    “The foundations for macroeconomic stability have been laid. The priority now is to convert reform gains into sustainable growth, investment, and improved welfare,” she said.

    Presenting key findings from the report, EnterpriseNGR’s Head of Research, Omotayo Muritala, pointed to easing inflationary pressures, improved foreign exchange liquidity and stronger external buffers as clear indicators that the economy is beginning to stabilise. These developments, the report notes, are helping to reduce uncertainty for investors and businesses after months of volatility.

    From a policy standpoint, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Oyelami Adekola, stressed that sustaining this momentum will depend largely on consistency.

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    “Confidence is built not just on reforms announced, but on reforms implemented and sustained,” he said, noting that policy discipline will be critical to deepening market outcomes and attracting long-term capital.

    The report also highlights the strategic role of the Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector in Nigeria’s recovery and growth story. According to Associate Partner at EY-Parthenon, Olayinka Oyetunji, the sector is central to mobilising capital, supporting real-sector expansion and strengthening Nigeria’s overall investment case.

    Beyond macro stability, the outlook positions Nigeria as an emerging opportunity in several non-oil sectors, including financial services, energy, technology and critical mineral resources. These sectors, the report argues, could drive diversification, job creation and export growth if supported by stable policies and an enabling business environment.

    However, EnterpriseNGR cautions that the gains recorded so far remain fragile. The report emphasises that sustained policy discipline, institutional coordination and reform continuity will be essential to translating renewed confidence into inclusive and durable economic growth.

    As Nigeria enters 2026, the outlook suggests that while challenges persist, the combination of macroeconomic stabilisation and reform momentum offers a window of opportunity—one that investors, policymakers and the private sector must jointly seize to secure long-term prosperity.