NESG Deepens Public Engagement Ahead of Annual Economic Summit

As Nigeria prepares for the upcoming Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) is ramping up public engagement efforts to ensure broader citizen participation, policy relevance, and collective ownership of national development goals. The NESG, a private-sector-led think tank renowned for influencing economic reform and promoting public-private dialogue, is introducing a range of initiatives designed to deepen engagement ahead of the summit.

This year’s summit comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with pressing economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, youth restiveness, and declining foreign investment. In response, the NESG is expanding its approach beyond traditional policy discussions by involving citizens more directly in the build-up to the event. The aim is to democratize economic conversations and ensure that solutions proposed at the summit are rooted in real-life experiences and diverse perspectives.

One of the most notable of these pre-summit activities is the launch of a new national dialogue series titled “Development as Attitude.” Inspired by the book Development as Attitude: How National Progress is Shaped by Leadership Philosophy and Citizens’ Orientation by Professor Osita Ogbu, this series brings together key stakeholders—including academics, government officials, business leaders, and civil society actors—for robust discussions on the relationship between mindset, leadership, and sustainable development.

Each session in the series features a blend of book readings, expert panels, and town-hall-style interactions that encourage open dialogue between leaders and citizens. The objective is to highlight how national development is not solely about economic statistics or political decisions, but also about the collective attitude of citizens toward growth, innovation, accountability, and nation-building.

Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the NESG, emphasized that development in Nigeria cannot be achieved through top-down approaches alone. “We must build a culture of shared responsibility,” he said. “Development starts with how we think and act as individuals and communities. Our national attitude must reflect a commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation.”

The NESG is also intensifying its focus on young people, who make up over 60% of Nigeria’s population. Recognizing the energy, ideas, and potential of this demographic, the organization has launched the “Youth Town Hall” series to give young Nigerians a platform to articulate their views and propose solutions to national issues. These town halls serve as listening sessions where policymakers, development partners, and private-sector actors interact directly with youths on matters ranging from education and entrepreneurship to governance and social justice.

Through this initiative, NESG is encouraging a more inclusive policymaking process that accounts for the concerns and aspirations of the next generation. Participants in the Youth Town Hall are also exposed to the workings of public institutions and the policymaking process, helping to demystify governance and foster civic engagement.

“We cannot plan Nigeria’s future without listening to the youth,” said Chioma Ogwuegbu, a development consultant who moderated one of the town hall sessions. “These platforms are essential for building trust and breaking down the communication barriers between citizens and those in power.”

In addition to these dialogues, NESG is actively using social media, webinars, and online surveys to gather input from a wider audience. Digital tools are helping the organization reach Nigerians in rural areas and those who may not typically participate in policy discourse. The goal is to ensure that the outcomes of the summit reflect grassroots realities as well as elite perspectives.

NESG’s proactive strategy also includes collaboration with state governments, NGOs, and educational institutions to extend the impact of its public engagement efforts. Workshops and stakeholder meetings have been held in various states, particularly targeting young professionals, women, and small business owners—groups whose voices are often underrepresented in national economic conversations.

As the 2025 summit approaches, these initiatives signal a shift from policy prescriptions formulated behind closed doors to a more participatory model where the average Nigerian has a say in shaping the country’s economic direction. The NESG hopes that this participatory model will lead to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable policy outcomes.

Past editions of the Nigerian Economic Summit have played a significant role in shaping critical reforms in telecommunications, pensions, and agriculture. With this year’s focus on inclusion and public engagement, expectations are high that new ideas will emerge to address the country’s complex economic challenges.

“We want this summit to be the most inclusive yet,” Dr. Aduloju reiterated. “We’re opening up spaces for more Nigerians to speak, contribute, and be part of the process. Nigeria’s future depends on all of us.”

With its growing commitment to citizen engagement, the NESG is not just preparing for another economic summit—it is fostering a national culture of participation, dialogue, and co-creation. In doing so, it reinforces the principle that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens and leaders move forward together.