Renowned economist, private sector advocacy leader and public policy analyst, Dr Muda Yusuf, has been unveiled as a distinguished discussant for the Sixth Edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse, scheduled to examine the contradictions between Nigeria’s enormous wealth and the economic realities confronting its citizens.
Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, human capital, entrepreneurial talent and enormous economic potential. Yet, decades after independence, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, rising living costs and limited economic opportunities. The fundamental question remains: why has a country so richly blessed struggled to translate its wealth into widespread prosperity?
This question lies at the heart of the Sixth Edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse, which will bring together knowledgeable voices to examine Nigeria’s wealth paradox and explore practical pathways towards sustainable national development.
DR MUDA YUSUF: A STRONG VOICE IN ECONOMIC POLICY AND PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Dr Yusuf is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), a policy think tank dedicated to promoting free enterprise, market oriented reforms and an enabling environment for businesses in Nigeria.
He is the immediate past Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where he served for over a decade. He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in economic policy advocacy, business research and investment environment reform.
Throughout his career, Dr Yusuf has been involved in major policy engagements concerning Nigeria’s economic and business environment. His areas of engagement include foreign exchange, energy, telecommunications, ports, customs, trade policy and public private partnerships.
He is a respected economist and public policy analyst, recognised for his insights into macroeconomic developments, institutional reforms and the regulatory environment of business. He is also a prominent media commentator on Nigerian and global economic issues.
Dr Yusuf holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Applied Business Research from Swiss Business School, Switzerland. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Ilorin. He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School Advanced Management Programme.
WHY DR YUSUF MATTERS TO THE WEALTH PARADOX CONVERSATION
Dr Muda Yusuf brings exceptional relevance to this discourse through his extensive experience in economic policy advocacy, investment environment reform and private sector development.
Having led the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry for over a decade and currently heading the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, he offers valuable perspectives on the relationship between national wealth, productive investment, industrialisation, enterprise development and economic growth.
His experience places him in a strong position to interrogate why Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources have not translated into sufficient jobs, competitive industries, improved household incomes and sustainable prosperity.
His contribution is expected to enrich discussions on how sound economic policies, institutional reforms, a more enabling business environment and stronger private sector participation can help Nigeria move from resource dependence towards productive and inclusive economic growth.
The discourse will also examine the responsibilities of government, businesses and other stakeholders in creating an economy where national resources generate measurable benefits for ordinary citizens.
A CONVERSATION BEYOND ECONOMIC STATISTICS
The theme, “Nigeria’s Wealth Paradox,” goes beyond examining the country’s natural resources or economic statistics. It invites participants to interrogate the structural, institutional, policy and governance challenges that prevent national wealth from translating into improved living conditions.
Among the issues expected to feature in the conversation are resource management, economic diversification, investment, industrial productivity, unemployment, poverty, entrepreneurship, public sector accountability and the role of the private sector in national development.
The discourse will seek to encourage evidence – based contributions and practical recommendations that can help Nigeria unlock its economic potential.
WHEN AND WHERE THE DISCOURSE HOLDS
The virtual discourse is scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm West Africa Time (WAT). The Monthly Global Discourse holds every last Sunday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (WAT)
The programme will bring together academics, economists, policymakers, business leaders, professionals, researchers, students, development practitioners, members of the diplomatic community and Nigerians in the diaspora.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the discussants, contribute perspectives and raise questions on the subject matter. Further participation and access details will be communicated through ValidViewNetwork’s official platforms.
ABOUT VALIDVIEWNETWORK AND ITS VISION
The ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse is a flagship intellectual engagement initiative of ValidViewNetwork. It was established to provide a credible platform for informed conversations on issues affecting Nigeria and the wider international community.
Founded by Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi FHEA, FFAN, ValidViewNetwork is a multidisciplinary professional services organisation with interests in consultancy, media, advocacy, research and policy engagement.
Its vision is to promote a more informed, enlightened society through credible information, professional expertise, constructive public engagement and evidence – based interventions.
The organisation seeks to bridge the gap between knowledge and action by bringing together experts, institutions, policymakers and members of the public to examine societal challenges and advance practical solutions.
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Its Monthly Global Discourse reflects this commitment by creating opportunities for distinguished voices from different professional backgrounds to share knowledge, challenge prevailing assumptions and contribute ideas towards national and global development.
Mr Olanrewaju S. Ogundipe, popularly known as Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the African Union of Journalists, chairs the ValidViewNetwork Advisory Council.
FROM NATIONAL WEALTH TO SHARED PROSPERITY
The Sixth Edition promises an important conversation about the future of Nigeria’s economy. It will challenge participants to look beyond the country’s resource endowment and examine the policies, institutions, investments and productive capacities required to transform that wealth into tangible prosperity.
With Dr Muda Yusuf bringing his extensive experience in economic policy and private sector advocacy to the discussion, the discourse offers an opportunity to explore practical approaches to building a competitive economy that creates jobs, supports businesses, encourages innovation and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the central question is not merely how much wealth Nigeria possesses, but why that wealth has not translated into the prosperity its people deserve.
Nigeria must move beyond being a nation rich in resources to becoming a nation rich in opportunities, productivity, enterprise and shared prosperity. The time to interrogate this paradox and chart a practical way forward is now.
ValidViewNetwork therefore invites Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as professionals and stakeholders across the world, to participate in this important conversation.