Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
Former Member of the House of Representatives, representing Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Oghene Emmanuel Egoh, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as significant economic and investment gains from the President’s recent international engagements, insisting that the outcomes demonstrate that the administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield results.
Hon. Oghene, an ardent supporter of the Tinubu administration, singled out the proposed deep seaport project in Ogun State and a reported $700 billion minerals investment agreement involving Nigeria and the United States as major developments capable of transforming the country’s economic fortunes.
He said the agreements and investment initiatives, if successfully implemented, would create thousands of jobs, stimulate industrial activities, expand government revenue and gradually reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil.
According to him, the President’s extended stay abroad should be assessed against the tangible benefits of his engagements rather than dismissed as an absence from the country.
“President Tinubu deserves commendation for the work he has done on behalf of Nigeria. His recent international engagements should not be judged merely by how long he stayed away from the country, but by the opportunities, investments and economic benefits he was able to attract,” Hon. Oghene said.
On the proposed Ogun State deep seaport, he described the project as a potentially transformative investment that could strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, create employment and stimulate economic activities across the South-West and beyond.
“The proposed Ogun State deep seaport is a laudable achievement. A project of that magnitude has the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract industries, boost trade and make significant contributions to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
“When the port becomes operational, its benefits will extend beyond Ogun State. It will create opportunities for businesses, transport operators, manufacturers, exporters and thousands of Nigerians whose livelihoods depend on the economic activities it generates,” he stated.
Hon. Oghene Egoh argued that Nigerians who criticized the President for spending an extended period abroad should also be prepared to acknowledge the benefits of the engagements.
“Those who criticized the President for staying away from Nigeria for too long should be bold enough to commend him when the outcomes of his engagements begin to emerge. Criticism is part of democracy, but fairness demands that we acknowledge achievements when they occur.
“You cannot condemn a President for travelling to attract investment and then refuse to recognize the value of the opportunities secured on behalf of the country. Nigerians deserve a balanced assessment of the administration’s performance,” he said.
He also addressed criticisms over Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly, arguing that the value of international diplomacy should be measured by the results it delivers rather than physical attendance at particular meetings.
According to him, the President’s engagements with investors and international partners could produce economic benefits that directly affect the lives of Nigerians.
“Attending the United Nations General Assembly is important, but international engagements must also be assessed by the concrete benefits they bring to the country. If an engagement produces investment agreements, infrastructure projects and employment opportunities for Nigerians, those outcomes deserve serious consideration.
“The most important question is not simply whether the President attended a particular gathering physically, but whether Nigeria’s interests were advanced and whether the engagements are capable of delivering measurable benefits to our people,” Hon. Oghene said.
He further highlighted the reported agreement involving the United States and Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, noting that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, had represented the country in engagements aimed at attracting investment into the sector.
Hon. Oghene said the development, if translated into actual investments and production, could help Nigeria unlock the enormous economic potential of its mineral resources.
“For too long, Nigeria has depended heavily on crude oil as its major source of foreign exchange and government revenue. We have solid minerals, an enormous agricultural base and other resources that remain insufficiently harnessed.
“If the agreements being pursued by this administration translate into actual investments, production, jobs and revenue, Nigeria will be in a stronger position to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
“We should be looking towards a future where solid minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, maritime trade and other productive sectors make substantial contributions to our national income,” he added.
Hon. Oghene maintained that the success of the administration’s economic reforms should ultimately be measured by their ability to attract sustainable investments, expand productive capacity and improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
He said the emerging investment opportunities were consistent with the broader objective of repositioning Nigeria’s economy for long-term growth, although the agreements would need to translate into concrete projects and measurable outcomes to fulfill their promise.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond political differences and support initiatives capable of creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure and opening new avenues for economic development.
“President Tinubu is taking steps to reposition Nigeria, and I believe these efforts deserve encouragement. Reforms are not always easy, and their full benefits may not become immediately visible. What matters is whether they lay the foundation for a stronger, more productive and diversified economy.
“I believe the President’s reforms are yielding results, and I will continue to support initiatives that I consider beneficial to Nigeria.
“My support for President Tinubu is rooted in my belief that the reforms and investment initiatives being pursued by his administration can help build a stronger Nigerian economy,” he said.
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