Afrinvest warns Nigeria: banking alone can’t drive economy to $1 trillion

The Federal Government has been advised that for the country to achieve the projected $1tn economy, it needs to grow beyond the banking sector.

This was stated by the Group Managing Director of Afrinvest, Chioke Ike, at the launch of its 2024 Banking Sector Report, themed Recapitalisation: Catalyst for a $1 Trillion Economy?’

The apex bank ahead of announcing the new capital requirements of the banks said that the banks needed to be stronger and more stable to be able to drive the $1tn economy projected by President Bola Tinubu.

Chioke emphasised that while the recapitalisation exercise would enhance the capacity of banks to serve the larger economy, increase lending capacity, attract foreign investments, and promote better risk management, the banking sector alone cannot drive economic growth.

“To achieve a $1tn economy, Nigeria needs to grow beyond the banking sector. Every aspect of the economy must grow alongside it,” he said.

He highlighted the need for human capital development, citing the example of Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey, which have achieved higher GDP per capita and human capital indices.

“Nigeria needs to invest in its people to achieve similar growth. We must prioritise human capital development to achieve a $1tn economy.

“The macroeconomic environment is challenging, with a potential national strike looming. However, the data is available to run the economy effectively, but politicians must pay attention to it and have the discipline to be humble,” he noted.

The Acting Director of Financial Policy and Regulations, Mr John Onoja, who represented CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, maintained that the central bank was committed to meeting the $1tn economy target.

“We are glad that the present administration has set this target, and we are committed to supporting it,” he mentioned.

He noted that the CBN was working closely with banks to review their capital plans and ensure a successful exercise, collaborating with institutions like the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Security and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Exchange, and the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, also highlighted the need for fiscal discipline, revenue growth, and competitiveness.

“Nigeria is a poor country with a budget of under $40bn, including supplementary budgets for all 36 states and 774 local governments. Our revenue is less than half of that amount,” Oyedele said, highlighting the urgency for reform.

To achieve a $1tn economy, Oyedele stressed the importance of a functional banking sector, capital market, and consistent policies.

He said, “We can generate more revenue by optimising government assets, reforming government-owned enterprises like NNPC Limited, and exploiting solid minerals and natural resources.”

The goal, he said, was to increase Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio to 30 per cent within two to three years.

He also advocated for promoting prosperity by waiving taxes on capital, investment, production, poverty, and seeds.

Nigeria’s over 60 official levies and taxes compared unfavourably to South Africa’s single personal income tax, which generated more revenue than all Nigerian taxes combined.

“With these reforms, we can improve revenue collection and move towards a $1tn economy,”.