El-Rufai Makes First Public Statement on Nigeria’s Economy After Mother’s Death

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has shared his views on Nigeria’s economy in his first public statement since the death of his mother on March 27, 2026, saying the country’s slow growth is linked to how talent is used.

The statement was released on April 1, 2026, at a time when he is also facing a legal case with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission over allegations that include money laundering. He had earlier been released briefly to attend his mother’s burial but was later returned to custody.

In his remarks, El-Rufai said Nigeria’s economic challenges are not caused by a lack of skilled people, funds, or ideas, but by the way the system directs its most capable individuals. He explained that many skilled people move toward areas where they can gain the most benefit, and in Nigeria, those areas are often linked to activities that do not create real value.

He said this pattern affects growth because effort is focused more on gaining from existing resources rather than building new ones. He pointed to economic figures such as a GDP growth rate of about 4.1 percent in 2024 and a tax-to-GDP ratio of around 8.2 percent, which he described as signs of a weak system that makes it hard for businesses to expand.

El-Rufai also listed issues such as poor electricity supply, delays at ports, and the high level of informal jobs as factors making it difficult for businesses to grow. According to him, these conditions make business ventures risky and less attractive, pushing skilled people away from productive sectors.

He warned that this trend could affect both present income levels and future development, as talented individuals move away from areas that drive real economic growth. While noting some improvement in exports outside oil, he said deeper changes are needed to shift the focus toward productive activities.

He called for changes in government processes, clearer rules, stronger enforcement of agreements, and policies that support business growth. He added that the system should make it easier to build and expand businesses than to benefit from connections to power.

He also suggested goals that could be achieved within two years, including better electricity supply, faster port operations, more formal jobs, and increased government revenue through improved systems.

He concluded by stating that the direction of the country depends on whether it rewards those who create value or those who depend on existing systems for gain.