Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has highlighted that Nigeria is undergoing a significant and disruptive transformation following the removal of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at Veritas University’s 13th convocation lecture in Abuja on Thursday, titled ‘Let Us Make a New Deal for Nigeria’, Soludo discussed strategies to tackle national challenges.
He emphasized the shift away from subsidies, which mainly benefited urban elites, towards a more equitable social contract that fosters opportunities for everyone. According to Soludo, Nigeria has eliminated harmful subsidies on fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity, entering a “muddling-through” phase that requires strategic guidance.
Soludo acknowledged that, despite challenges, military regimes made investments in education during the country’s early oil boom. He called for a pragmatic new deal for Nigeria, proposing a national infrastructure plan akin to the U.S. Marshal Plan that rebuilt Europe post-World War II.
He urged Nigerian leaders to take inspiration from the Marshal Plan to launch public works projects, implement financial reforms, and make regulatory changes to transform the nation. Soludo also pointed out encouraging developments such as the minimum wage law, the draft tax reform bill, and upcoming cash transfers.
He called for unprecedented collaboration between federal and state governments to expedite these reforms. Addressing the graduating students, Soludo encouraged them to be active participants in shaping Nigeria’s future, emphasizing that, while the country may not have given them much, they are expected to contribute significantly.
He concluded, “The future you seek is in your hands. Those who plan can shape the future. It’s your turn to be the change-makers.”
NGI 
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