The Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF) actively participated in the just concluded 4th Annual International Hybrid Conference of the Nigeria Association of Macroeconomic Modellers (NAMM), held at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Otunba Subomi Balogun Hall, from November 24th – 27th, 2025. The conference, themed “Policy Innovations for Economic Recovery, Structural Transformation, and Digital Macroeconomic Modelling,” brought together leading economists, policymakers, researchers, academics, and development practitioners to deliberate on critical pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s macroeconomic framework and driving sustainable national development.
PiLAF’s participation at the conference also reflected its sustained partnership with NAMM, which has spanned over three years and continues to support collaborative efforts in advancing evidence-based macroeconomic and development policy in Nigeria. PiLAF was represented by key members of its leadership and technical team, including Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, PiLAF’s Principal Investigator and the Pioneer President of NAMM; Prof. Olusanya Olubusoye, PiLAF’s Senior Advisor and the newly elected President of NAMM; Prof. Adegbenga Adekoya, PiLAF’s Co-Principal Investigator; Mr. Iredele Ogunbayo, PiLAF’s Administrative Manager, who was re-elected as the General Secretary of NAMM for a second term; and Oluwaseyitan Olaibi, PiLAF’s Media Consultant.
Prof. Olusanya Olubusoye and Mr. Iredele Ogunbayo were also part of different technical teams that contributed to the development of NAMM’s macroeconomic models for Nigeria, further demonstrating PiLAF’s continued influence in strengthening national modelling capacity and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Their participation affirmed PiLAF’s strong commitment to contributing expert knowledge and strategic perspectives to discussions on economic recovery, structural transformation, and the application of digital tools in macroeconomic modelling, while also highlighting the Lab’s growing influence in shaping national economic discourse and institutional leadership within NAMM.
A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of papers examining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence on macroeconomic modelling. These sessions explored both the advantages and limitations of AI integration, noting its potential to enhance model accuracy, improve forecasting efficiency, process large datasets rapidly, and support real-time policy simulations. At the same time, deliberations also addressed challenges such as data bias, over-reliance on technology, transparency concerns, and the need for strong regulatory and ethical frameworks to guide the responsible use of AI in economic modelling and policy design.
The conference provided a valuable platform for robust engagement on innovative policy approaches aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s economy, improving institutional efficiency, and strengthening data-driven decision-making. Discussions further reinforced the importance of balancing technological advancement with sound economic theory and human expertise in shaping responsive governance systems.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of economic recovery and structural reform, PiLAF remains dedicated to strengthening its role in policy innovation by actively engaging in strategic platforms such as the NAMM conference. This sustained collaboration further reinforces PiLAF’s mission of bridging research and policy to deliver practical solutions that support resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development outcomes.