…says Tinubu reforms geared towards Nigeria’s economic revival

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has called on officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Ogun State to exercise civility and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, especially in their dealings with members of the public.

Isiaka made the call while speaking at his mid-term constituency engagement held in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of the state, stressing that public cooperation with law enforcement agencies could only be guaranteed when citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

“Be civil when you are dealing with people to minimise loss of lives. It is only when you treat people with respect that they will cooperate and give you the support that you need to carry out your assignment.

“The Customs must change their rules of engagement. You cannot engage in shooting in the markets or on the roads, which in most cases result to death, and expect the people to cooperate with you. These actions lead to mistrust. Our law enforcement agencies need to exercise restraint when enforcing the law,” he said.

The lawmaker added: “We found ourselves here created by God; it’s not our making. Neither were we part of the Berlin Conference that divided Africa into different countries; therefore, we cannot leave here. This is the only place we know, and we experience a lot of challenges as a result of that.”

Speaking on the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, Isiaka said the policies were designed to revive the nation’s economy and safeguard Nigeria’s long-term interests, noting that the President inherited an economy on the brink of collapse.

According to him, the ongoing tax reforms are aimed at ensuring fairness and inclusivity, adding that although the reforms are difficult, they are already producing positive outcomes, as structural adjustments take time before their full benefits are realised.

He said: “decades of subsidies drained our resources, enriching a few while infrastructure deteriorated. Multiple exchange rates encouraged rent-seeking and corruption. Debt obligations consumed nearly every available resource, leaving little for development.

“Addressing this reality requires courage, foresight, and difficult decisions. The fuel subsidy was removed. Exchange rates were unified. The tax system is being restructured to ensure fairness and inclusivity. These decisions were challenging. Political convenience would have been easier, but it would have come at the expense of national survival.

“These reforms are yielding results, I must say. A unified exchange rate has restored market confidence. Inflation is being curtailed. Interest rates and other macroeconomic variables are improving and more predictable, all creating the conditions for upward movement of our Gross Domestic Product.

“These steps and others have rekindled confidence towards a more sustainable development. Our economy has turned the corner.”

Isiaka urged Nigerians to remain patient, resilient and committed to the ongoing reforms, saying the foundation being laid would usher in long-term stability and shared prosperity.

“I am confident that better days lie ahead, and these tough times will surely pass,” he said.

While giving an account of his stewardship, the lawmaker said the comprehensive economic development plan he initiated has continued to serve as a strategic roadmap for accelerated socio-economic transformation.

He also commended the Ogun State Government, led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, for its foresight and strategic vision in repositioning the state, noting that the administration’s achievements have significantly reshaped the state’s socio-economic architecture.

Isiaka assured his constituents of sustained accountability, which he said would be demonstrated through his consistent presence and active engagement with them.