The impact of tax reform will be positive for Nigeria’s economy, Ben Akabueze, former director general of the Budget Office of the Federation and pastor at Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 35, said on Wednesday.
He made the remarks while highlighting the upcoming 2026 Economic Outlook Summit, themed “Navigating Tax Reforms and Investment Opportunities,” scheduled for January 24, 2026, at RCCG ChristChurch, Gbagada, Lagos.
“The 2026 Economic Outlook Summit is a strategic platform designed to equip church members, professionals, entrepreneurs, and the wider public with practical insights and tools to navigate Nigeria’s evolving economic environment,” Akabueze said.
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He added that as Nigeria undergoes one of its most significant reform cycles including taxation, fiscal policy, exchange rate management, and market liberalisation, the summit aims to help participants understand these changes, manage risks effectively, and position themselves to seize emerging opportunities as the economy transitions into 2026.
According to him, inflation has declined significantly over the past year, reflecting the early impact of recent policy adjustments. However, cost pressures remain for households and businesses, making informed financial and investment decisions more critical than ever. The summit will focus on key areas such as understanding ongoing tax reforms and their implications for personal income, business profitability, and investment returns, as well as positioning tax as a strategic tool rather than merely a statutory obligation. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains below 10 percent, compared with the African average of about 16 percent, prompting reforms aimed at expanding the tax base and improving efficiency.
Participants will also explore investment opportunities and capital positioning for 2026, with emphasis on high-potential sectors such as energy, agriculture and agro-processing, financial services, technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure-linked industries. The summit will provide insights into the capital market outlook, including how interest rates, inflation trends, and fiscal policy influence asset prices, as well as guidance on asset allocation, portfolio resilience, diversification, and risk management to align with long-term financial goals.
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Economic trends, growth prospects, and productivity enhancers will also feature prominently, with a focus on sectoral growth drivers shaping Nigeria’s medium-term outlook and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for over 80 percent of total employment. The government’s ambition to build a N1 trillion economy anchored on improved productivity, competitiveness, and stronger private-sector participation will also be discussed, alongside ways to leverage digital tools, automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to boost operational efficiency.
Distinguished speakers include Senator John Enoh, who will address the administration’s economic reforms and resultant investment opportunities; Bismarck Rewane on Nigeria’s economy and key economic indices; Muda Yusuf on the business climate and private-sector investment opportunities; and Elizabeth Olaghere on understanding tax reforms from the user’s perspective. The session will be moderated by Ini John-Mekwa, Senior Business Correspondent at Channels Television.
Akabueze emphasised that while economic reforms may present short-term challenges, they also unlock significant long-term opportunities. He said, “Despite prevailing uncertainty, economic reforms often create the foundation for long-term investment opportunities. As Nigeria moves further into 2026, reforms in foreign exchange management, infrastructure investment, and private-sector participation are expected to improve macroeconomic stability.” He noted that participants will gain practical insights into capital positioning ahead of emerging opportunities, reinforcing the importance of strategy over speculation.
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“The message of the 2026 Economic Summit is clear: while reforms may introduce short-term challenges, they also create significant opportunities for those who are well informed, compliant, and strategically positioned. This summit is designed to equip participants with the insight and confidence needed not only to withstand change but to navigate it successfully and sustainably as Nigeria moves toward 2026,” Akabueze added.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Pastor Emeka Obiagwu, said the summit empowers participants to adapt, innovate, and lead in a constantly changing economic landscape. He also outlined the church’s annual empowerment programme, which includes the Economic Summit, The Business Master Class (BMC), Career Right Track (CRT), and Skill Acquisition Training (SAT).
