First Bank Economic Outlook Forum Frames Resilience as Core to Nigeria’s 2026 Growth Path

By Raymond Akorede

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has outlined resilience, policy consistency, and private-sector leadership as central pillars for Nigeria’s economic progress in 2026, following deliberations at its 2026 Economic Outlook Forum held in Lagos.

According to Premium Times, which reported the event on 7 January 2026, the forum brought together economists, bankers, policymakers, and business leaders to examine Nigeria’s evolving macroeconomic landscape amid reforms, inflation moderation, and global uncertainty.

Speakers at the forum noted that Nigerian businesses have endured prolonged shocks—from currency volatility and inflation to regulatory adjustments—but have also demonstrated remarkable adaptability.

The forum emphasised that resilience in 2026 must go beyond survival, extending into strategic investment, innovation, and long-term value creation.

Participants highlighted the role of the banking sector in supporting economic recovery through credit expansion, infrastructure financing, and SME support, while maintaining prudential stability.

Bank executives stressed that restoring investor confidence would require predictability in policy, transparency in regulation, and credible reform implementation—particularly in the foreign exchange and energy sectors.

Analysts attending the forum noted that Nigeria’s recovery prospects hinge not only on macroeconomic indicators but also on institutional trust and private-sector confidence.