PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has affirmed his administration’s willingness to learn from and implement successful strategies from other countries.
Speaking during a meeting with an Airtel delegation led by Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the need to align Nigeria’s telecom regulatory framework and operations with global best practices, prioritizing infrastructure protection.
“I appreciate your openness, readiness, and confidence, which brought us closer to the Prime Minister of India. When he visited, we had extensive discussions,” Tinubu stated in a release by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
“We will closely examine the entire ecosystem and adopt strategies that have proven effective elsewhere, including India. We are eager to learn and unafraid to implement what works globally. This is essential for our collective progress. Nigeria’s importance demands attention to transformative initiatives that enhance business operations. I am pro-business and will continue to be. That is my assurance,” he added.
Tinubu also highlighted tax reforms aimed at fostering a more investment-friendly environment.
“We will collaborate with tax administrators to ensure policies encourage growth and opportunities,” he said.
The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, expressed gratitude to the President for his continued support of the telecom sector.
He noted that Tinubu’s approval to classify fibre optic and undersea cables as critical national assets would drive further growth, with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) already enforcing the law.
Airtel Chairman Mittal commended the President for bold economic reforms, drawing parallels between Nigeria’s current trajectory and India’s 1991 economic transformation.
“When you assumed office, I was uncertain how far your commitments would go. However, your decisive actions remind me of India’s reforms in 1991, which set the stage for unprecedented growth. Lower tariffs, currency adjustments, and new regulations created a turning point for India’s economy,” Mittal remarked.
He commended Nigeria’s recent economic milestones, including the floating of the naira and subsidy removal, describing them as difficult but necessary decisions.
“These reforms have positioned Nigeria for long-term growth. The world is watching, and your leadership is being recognized. Your first term as President will be a defining moment in the country’s development,” he added.
Mittal further encouraged Nigerians with significant investments abroad to reinvest in the country, expressing optimism about the nation’s economic future.
“I have spoken with many Nigerian business leaders, and confidence is returning. Once momentum builds, progress will accelerate—just as it did in India,” he concluded.