Hafis Bello, the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Lagos West senatorial district, has called for bold structural reforms to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Mr Bello disclosed this during an interview in Lagos on Sunday. 

He said temporary intervention programmes alone could not build a modern and resilient economy.

“We cannot build a modern economy on temporary interventions alone. What Nigeria needs are bold structural reforms that reduce the cost of living, stabilise prices and create opportunities for sustainable wealth creation,” he said.

He urged the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to prioritise investments in digital infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT) education, vocational skills acquisition and modern agriculture.

“Our young people deserve opportunities that prepare them for the future economy.

“We must invest in digital skills, technology hubs, innovation and mechanised agriculture to create sustainable employment and improve national productivity,” he said.

Mr Bello advocated policies to reduce inflation through improved energy supply, lower production costs, better transportation infrastructure and favourable tariffs on essential production inputs.

He added that affordable energy and efficient logistics were critical to lowering the cost of doing business and making locally produced goods more competitive. 

“Rather than relying solely on periodic cash disbursements, the government should establish sustainable financing mechanisms that enable small businesses to expand. 

“They should employ more people and contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” he said.

The ADC senatorial candidate noted that although the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative were commendable, Nigeria required broader economic policies capable of lifting citizens beyond subsistence.

(NAN)