Nigeria’s economic growth must translate into better living conditions for citizens to be meaningful, according to Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel.
Daniel made the remarks on Thursday at the 7th Annual Lecture of Freedom Online in Lagos, where he stressed the strong link between economic development and national security.
He spoke days after the National Bureau of Statistics reported a 4.43 per cent year-on-year growth in Nigeria’s GDP in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23 per cent in the same period of 2025.
While describing the figures and growth in agriculture and services as encouraging, Daniel said GDP alone does not reflect the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
He said economic progress should be judged by access to decent jobs, the ability of farmers to reach their farms safely, and whether businesses can operate profitably.
The former Ogun State governor described security as part of the country’s economic infrastructure, noting that insecurity affects food production, transportation, business and investment.
He warned that insecurity could raise operating costs and discourage both local and foreign investors.
Daniel therefore called for economic policies and security measures to be pursued together, saying neither sustainable growth nor lasting security can be achieved in isolation.
