Let’s join forces to transform economy ~ Tinubu to NEC

President Bola Tinubu yesterday charged members of the  National Economic Council (NEC)   to work with his administration to revive the economic fortunes of Nigeria and its citizens.

Noting that the task of reviving the economy was Herculian, Tinubu told the council members that Nigerians would not accept excuses because begged to be given the job.

He spoke at the inauguration of NEC at the State House in Abuja. The council which is chaired by the Vice-President has governors of the 36 states,   Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) governor and other co-opted government officials as members.

The body meets monthly and has the mandate to advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various levels of government.

Pointing out that “it is very reassuring that our citizens are behind us,” Tinubu told the NEC members that they (Nigerians) want quick reforms.

He said “It is worthy of note that the monthly meeting of NEC, chaired by the Vice-President has remained the official economic platform for robust dialogue among the Federal Government, the 36 state governors, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other key stakeholders.

”In my inaugural speech of May 29,  2003, I expressed this administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians in a manner that’s not just our humanity, encourages compassion towards one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

”I also listed the principles that will guide our administration and it is as follows: To be impartial, to govern according to the Constitution, and the rule of law; To defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality; To promote economic growth and development, through job creation, food security, and an end to poverty;

”To prominently feature women and youth in all our activities, and to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption, while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of various anti-corruption agencies.

”I also highlighted eight priority areas to which this administration would focus, security, economy, jobs, agriculture and infrastructure.

”We have already taken significant steps by ending the fuel subsidy and unifying the foreign exchange rate. This government will continue to transform our nation’s fortunes and bring about unprecedented development through good governance.

”The NEC meetings have over the years, been very constructive and productive and key outcomes, resolutions and recommendations are translated into brilliant government policies.

”It is also evident that the task of growing our economy is quite enormous, but you and I asked for it, we campaigned for it, we even danced for it, we begged for it. So, we have no reason to complain.

”We must harness the growth potential of Nigeria and bring about serious development to bring us from a potential nation to pragmatic economic development in a rapid manner.

”Their expectation is on NEC as a veritable source of articulating policies and programmes that are people-oriented. I cannot overemphasise that.

”It is also reassuring to note that the populace, members of this country, is behind us, they want reforms and they want it quick, to have a meaningful impact on their lives.

”We have enormous challenges facing us, it is you and I, we have all the 36 governors and stakeholders and you have the flexibility of using the local government to rapidly develop the infrastructure within the local government areas.

”Collaboration is not a crime. Please let us do so.”

At the inauguration and maiden meeting were Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara) ,   Ademola Adeleke (Osun);  Yahaya Bello(Kogi),   Biodun Oyebanji(Ekiti),   Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa),   Umo Eno(Akwa  Ibom)  , Peter Mbah(Enugu),    Bassey Otu (Cross River), Plateau, Caleb Muftwang(Plateau), Nasir Idris(Kebbi),   Aliyu Radda(Katsina)  and   Hycinth Alia(Benue).

Also in attendance were  Dauda Lawal(Zamfara),   Dapo Abiodun(Ogun),  Charles Soludo(Anambra), Yobe, Mai-Mala Buni (Yobe), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Inuwa Yahaya(Gombe),   Sheriff Oborevwori(Delta), Siminalayi Fubara(Rivers),  Mohammed Bago (Niger)and   Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto).

Others were  Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Uba Sani (Kaduna),   Godwin Obaseki (Edo),   Alex Otti (Abia),   Douye Diri (Bayelsa),   Abba Yusuf (Kano),   Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and   Seyi Makinde (Oyo)      Deputy Governors  Umar Kadafur  (Borno) and Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ondo) represented their principals.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila;   Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari;  Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein;  Acting Governor of the CBN, Folashodun Shonubi; Permanent Secretaries of Budget and National Planning, Federal Capital Territory Administration and State House were also in attendance.