The APC’s Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Tuesday outlined how he will tackle the nation’s economic and security challenges.
Tinubu spoke during a Business Townhall meeting with the business community held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.
Speaking at the meeting, tagged: “Partnering Toward a Better Nigeria,” told the business community how he transformed the economy of Lagos when he was governor and vowed to tackle the economic challenges facing the country.
According to Tinubu, “I see no conflict between the business community and government. Yet, with equal conviction, I believe the private sector and government should constantly be at war. But they wage this battle not as enemies.
“They must stand as inseparable allies combating the mutual enemies of scarcity, underdevelopment, joblessness and the fear these bad things breed. For this reason, to join you in this battle, I am honored to meet with you, the leaders of the business community and private sector.”
Tinubu sought the help of the private sector in confronting the difficult task ahead, saying that “I am also inspired that we can surmount this great challenge.
Tinubu sought the help of the private sector in confronting the difficult task ahead, saying that “I am also inspired that we can surmount this great challenge.
“From its very inception, our political economy has been imbalanced and in need of major reform. Our political economy is much too dependent on the export of raw material or unfinished goods and the import of increasingly expensive finished products.
Over the course of the time, gains from natural resource exports will prove largely insufficient to meet the rising costs of imports let alone support even the most basic demands of modern democratic governance.
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“The time is now to cure this lapse. And time is of the essence for it does not wait for man or nation. We commend the work of prior administrations, especially the present government. This government has performed with patriotism and commitment during trying times.
“We simply must go farther and faster. My experiences in both the private sector and elective office afford me a special appreciation of the economic potency that close collaboration between government and the business community can bring,” he said.
Tinubu said “We must target double digit GDP to begin to reduce the poverty rate and I am determined to accomplish this. We shall bring the nation’s industrial policy to life. Key to this is our aim to create major and minor industrial hubs in each geopolitical zone.
“We shall not be satisfied by bolstering traditional sectors. We will foster productive excellence in new areas such as light manufacturing and the Nollywood entertainment sector. Through active participation in the digital economy, we shall make Nigeria a leader, instead of a bystander, in the fourth industrial revolution.
“We shall continue to press reforms in the sector that will increase productivity, improve farm incomes while lowering food prices and bringing enough food to the tables of ordinary people. I am determined to give you the affordable and reliable power you need to drive your businesses in a way that lifts the entire economy.
“We seek a consumer credit revolution, working in concert with the banking industry lead by the CBN. Credit at affordable rates enables the purchase of more cars and the construction of more homes. The standard of living shall rise and the strength of the business sector shall increase in similar measure.
“We must continue with the expansion of infrastructure commenced by the current government From our roads and ports that will path the way to more commerce, to improvement in irrigation and water management/catchment systems to stem the humanitarian and economic tragedy visited on us by seasonal flooding.”
On insecurity, Tinubu said if elected president, his government shall continue the fight against insecurity by redefining its counter-insurgency doctrine and practice.
“Our response to terror, kidnapping and violent criminality will be defined by the following elements: We shall enlist more people in the armed forces, security services and the police. Our forces will be given better tactical communications, mobility as well as improved aerial and ground surveillance capacity.
“Through these and other measures, we shall better identify, monitor, track, and defeat these evil groups where they are. They shall have no respite until they surrender or are utterly defeated. What I have shared today is a brief overview of some thoughts on how to improve and protect our beloved nation,” he stated.
