Economic analysts and industry leaders are calling on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize a robust tax framework and affordable healthcare as essential pillars for Nigeria’s economic trajectory in 2026.
The recommendations were issued during a high-level consultative forum organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Centre for Financial Studies, in partnership with B. Adedipe Associates Ltd. The primary focus of the session was the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Reform Act 2025. Dr. Biodun Adedipe, Chief Consultant at B. Adedipe Associates, emphasized that this legislation is central to achieving a projected 4.5% GDP growth in 2026. The reforms aim to increase Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from its current sub-10% level to approximately 16%.
“With effective tax intelligence, there is no hiding place,” Dr. Adedipe stated, noting that the act is designed to widen the tax net and eliminate loopholes through data-driven governance. This sentiment was echoed by Baba Musa, Director-General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, who highlighted the urgent need to address the narrow tax base. He cited instances where markets generating N3 billion in daily transactions contribute less than 1% in taxes.
Mitigating the “Poverty Trap” through Healthcare
The forum also addressed the critical link between public health and economic stability. Tosin Runsewe, CEO of AfyA Care Nigeria, warned that without structured health insurance, the average Nigerian remains “one serious illness away from poverty.”
To safeguard the workforce and vulnerable populations, experts proposed:
Structured Health Insurance: A call for corporate and government leaders to provide comprehensive coverage to prevent medical debt.
Capital Reallocation: Suggesting that excess revenue from the ongoing bank recapitalization exercise be channeled into the health sector.
Operational Scale: The development of 20 to 40 large-scale healthcare organizations with nationwide reach to ensure quality care is accessible beyond urban centers.
Technology and Data-Driven Oversight
The panel concluded that 2026 must be the year of digital accountability. Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, Senior Vice-President at Flutterwave, urged the government to adopt real-time dashboards and advanced analytics to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve national competitiveness.
By integrating modern technology into governance, the experts believe Nigeria can foster a more transparent environment that attracts investor confidence and sustains moderating inflation rates.
