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LIONEL EFFIOM

At a time when Nigeria’s economy stands at the crossroads of reform and renewal, providence could not have chosen a better steward to lead the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) than Dr. Baba Yusuf Musa — an economist of rare depth, an administrator of remarkable foresight, and a pan-African thinker whose influence transcends national borders.

As he assumes the presidency of the NES, expectations are high — and deservedly so. For decades, Dr. Musa has been a distinguished figure in the field of economic management and public policy, his name synonymous with rigor, reform, and results. His election marks not just a change of leadership, but a reaffirmation of the Society’s mission: to make economics serve the people, and to make scholarship serve the state.

Stewardship at WAIFEM: A Continental Benchmark in Progress

In addition to his new role as NES President, Dr. Baba Musa continues to serve as the Director-General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) — one of the region’s most respected policy and training institutions.

Under his ongoing leadership, WAIFEM has been re-energized and redefined as a continental hub for economic transformation and capacity development. Dr. Musa has modernized its training architecture, strengthened its partnerships, and championed a data-driven approach to public financial management.

He continues to expand the Institute’s reach across West Africa, fostering collaborations with global organizations such as the IMF, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. Through his visionary stewardship, WAIFEM has empowered hundreds of policymakers, technocrats, and central bankers with the tools to drive macroeconomic stability and reform in their respective countries.

In an era when Africa’s development aspirations demand skilled, ethical, and visionary leadership, Dr. Musa exemplifies the bridge between academia and policy, theory and practice, scholarship and statecraft.

Building on a Legacy: Commending Prof. Adeola Adenikinju’s Administration

It is both fitting and honorable to recognize that Dr. Musa’s emergence comes on the heels of a profoundly impactful tenure — the administration of Professor Adeola Adenikinju, whose leadership repositioned the NES as a visible, credible, and policy-relevant institution.

 Prof. Adenikinju’s administration revitalized the Society’s annual conferences, deepened its engagement with government and industry, and strengthened its research and advocacy profile. He inspired economists nationwide to see NES not merely as an academic body, but as a vital partner in national development.

 As Dr. Musa takes the mantle, he inherits a Society that is vibrant, intellectually respected, and strategically poised — thanks to the sturdy foundation laid by his predecessor. His task now is to build upon that foundation and propel NES into a new era of national relevance and continental visibility.

The Vision Ahead: Repositioning NES for National Relevance

The challenges before the Nigerian Economic Society mirror those of the nation it seeks to serve — limited funding, policy disconnect, and the urgent need for generational renewal. Yet, within these challenges lie extraordinary opportunities.

Dr. Baba Musa’s leadership will likely focus on four key pillars that reflect both continuity and innovation:

Policy Influence and National Engagement

NES must become the think-tank of choice for government and policymakers. Under Dr. Musa’s leadership, the Society can expand its advisory role to ministries, departments, and regional bodies, ensuring that economic policies are evidence-based, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Institutional Strengthening and Youth Inclusion

 To remain relevant, NES must nurture a new generation of economists who combine academic rigor with social consciousness. Dr. Musa’s track record in training and institutional reform positions him perfectly to revitalize mentorship programs, professional networks, and student chapters across the country.

Research, Innovation, and Digital Transformation

Given his experience at WAIFEM, Dr. Musa is a firm believer in innovation and technology as drivers of development. NES, under his watch, can leverage digital platforms to democratize knowledge, enhance research output, and host virtual dialogues that shape national and continental discourse.

Regional and Global Partnerships

With his extensive international connections, Dr. Musa is uniquely placed to internationalize the NES brand. By fostering strategic collaborations with WAIFEM, AfDB, UNECA, and similar institutions, he can position NES as a continental thought leader — influencing policies beyond Nigeria’s borders.

A Call to Collective Purpose

Dr. Baba Musa’s assumption of office is not merely a personal milestone; it is a collective moment for the Nigerian economic community. The NES stands today as both a mirror and conscience of the nation’s economic direction — an institution that must guide, not merely observe; that must lead, not merely comment.

With his deep experience, humility, and unrelenting commitment to public service, Dr. Musa embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently needs — leadership that inspires, not intimidates; leadership that unites, not divides.

The onus now lies on all NES members, partners, and stakeholders to rally behind this new presidency — to consolidate past gains, confront emerging challenges, and craft a future where economic ideas translate into tangible prosperity for citizens.

 A Season of Renewal

 In Dr. Baba Musa, the Nigerian Economic Society has found not only a president but a purpose renewed. His journey — from the regional corridors of WAIFEM to the intellectual heart of the NES — is a testament to consistency, excellence, and service.

The next two years promise to be transformative: a stronger Society, a louder voice, and a clearer vision for Nigeria’s economic destiny. The torch is now in capable hands — and under Dr. Musa’s guidance, the flame will not flicker; it will blaze brighter.

“For leadership is not about titles or tenures; it is about vision and value. And in Dr. Baba Musa, both find perfect expression.”

• Lionel Effiom, Ph.D Senior Researcher at University of Calabar