Group Chief Economist and Managing Director at the African Export-Import Bank, Dr. Yemi Kale has emphasised that many of the country’s current challenges stem from flawed policies rather than unforeseen external shocks.
Delivering his keynote address at the 2025 Vanguard Economic Discourse held on Wednesday at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Kale remarked, “We must shift from reactive crisis management to anticipatory governance if we truly want to cushion Nigerians from economic shocks.”
The Vanguard Economic Discourse, an annual event hosted by Vanguard Newspapers, is a platform for public-private sector collaboration to discuss economic development. It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, economists, and key stakeholders to address Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges and explore actionable recovery strategies.
This year’s discourse is themed “Nigeria’s Economic Outlook 2025: Hardship and Pathways to Sustainable Recovery.”
Dr. Kale highlighted that much of Nigeria’s economic hardship is a result of domestic policy errors. “Most of Nigeria’s economic hardship is not caused by unforeseen events but by policies introduced without adequate safeguards,” he explained.
The former Statistician-General stressed that rebuilding public trust involves more than just creating policies. “Public trust is built not just by making policies—but by implementing them with foresight, fairness, and firmness.”
Reflecting on the broader social impacts of economic instability, Dr. Kale pointed out, “In uncertain times, households prioritise stability over ambition—choosing secure jobs in the public sector over higher, unstable incomes.”
He also addressed the devastating effects of inflation, noting, “Inflation erodes purchasing power, stifles demand, and pushes both businesses and families into survival mode.”
Dr. Kale further warned against populist economic measures, stating, “Populist economic interventions may offer short-term relief, but they often deepen long-term instability and investor distrust.”
Drawing a direct connection between poor governance and economic decline, he stated, “Capital flight, weakened investor confidence, and rising poverty are not abstract theories—they’re symptoms of poor economic governance.”
Concluding on a call to action, Dr. Kale stressed the urgency of addressing economic mismanagement.
“Economic disruption is not just a technical challenge—it is a social emergency, and we must treat it with the urgency it deserves.”
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