Nigeria Flip-flop finance: NGX's Kwairanga Says Policy Instability Threatens Nigeria's $1trn Goal

Nigeria's $1 trillion economy dream faces a trillion-dollar threat: flip-flop finance. Nigerian Exchange Group Chairman Dr. Umaru Kwairanga warns that the country's ambitious 2030 economic target could crumble under the weight of policy somersaults and currency instability. His message cuts deep - when governments practice flip-flop finance, even the most ambitious economic visions become impossible to achieve.

Massive economic transformations require predictable policy environments that allow long-term planning to flourish, rather than constant adaptation to government flip-flops.

Key Takeaways:

• Policy consistency crisis identified as primary threat to Nigeria's $1 trillion economy target by 2030
• Currency challenges with naira devaluations reducing GDP in dollar terms by more than half from previous highs
• Structural reform requires a dedicated institution outside the bureaucratic civil service to drive economic transformation
• Global trade risks from potential international trade wars that could dampen Nigerian growth prospects
• Capital market role emphasised as driver of economic transformation rather than mere mirror of activity

The warning highlights how flip-flop finance can sabotage even well-intentioned economic ambitions, making stability more valuable than brilliant but inconsistent strategies.

Flip-flop finance destroys trillion-dollar dreams because investors, businesses, and markets need predictable environments to commit resources for long-term growth. Nigeria's challenge isn't a lack of ambitious targets—it's avoiding the policy reversals that destroy progress through constant course corrections.