Shettima: Our Policies Are Focused On What Works Best For Nigeria

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the programmes and policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu are focused on what works best for the country, given its present circumstances.

Speaking Tuesday in Abuja while explaining the thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda during the APC Professionals Forum’s Policy Roundtable Conference on “Asiwaju Score Card Series”, Shettima declared: “Every country’s journey is distinct. Every country is shaped by its economic history and challenges. We respect the efforts of other nations, but we are focused on what works best for Nigeria”.

The Vice President who was represented at the event by Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, noted that the eight-point agenda of the Tinubu administration provides a clear framework for its policies and programs, even as he outlined areas of concentration to include driving “job creation, economic growth, food security, poverty eradication, access to capital, the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and inclusive development. 

“These initiatives are not just plans on paper; they are actions being implemented to create tangible improvements in the lives of everyday Nigerians,” he explained. 

Shettima particularly cited examples of the administration’s investments in agriculture and other sectors which, according to him, are intended to reduce the nation’s reliance on imports and boost local production, adding that “the ongoing Renewed Hope Housing Scheme promises to address the housing deficit and stimulate economic growth. 

“Similarly, we are also focused on reducing unemployment and underemployment through various initiatives, including the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises, and the Expanded National MSME Clinics. These programs are designed to create more job opportunities and foster economic inclusivity,” he maintained.

The Vice President further noted that the commitment of the administration to education is evident in the launch of the student loan scheme, with Mr. Jim Ovia appointed to lead the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

According to him: “This initiative will empower our youth and ensure that they have the resources needed to succeed, and I assure you that the policy is in place to offer interventions to vulnerable or disadvantaged Nigerians without discrimination or favouritism.”

On government’s efforts to ensure integrity in its activities, the Vice President said, “The ongoing digitization of revenue collection across all government sectors is expected to yield significant results and enhance the transparency we have promised the people of Nigeria.”

While noting that the path chosen by the Tinubu administration involves necessary sacrifices, Shettima assured that the efforts would yield positive results and lead to a brighter future for Nigeria.

“Our economic indicators will improve as we continue to implement our policies, and we are confident that significant growth is on the horizon. The results of our interventions are promising, and we are proud of the progress made in strengthening the Naira”.

He appealed for patience and collective effort from all Nigerians as the administration works towards a future of safety, prosperity, and optimism that serves all.

Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, praised President Tinubu’s leadership of the country, noting that Nigeria is on the path of progress, with ongoing reforms across key sectors of the economy.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals of the APC to set new standards and benchmarks in the nation’s democratic sphere, noting that the party is “reinvigorating itself to ensure that success across board in future elections.”

Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Trustees, of the APC Professionals Forum, Dr Isa Yuguda, said the roundtable was organised to take stock of the first year of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda under the banner of the Asiwaju scorecard series.

Citing examples across different sectors, including the oil and gas industry, Yuguda said President Tinubu has been vindicated in his insistence on removal of subsidy on petrol.

“Indeed, the President has today been proved right with the manner petrol importation has gone down by 50% since June 2023 and it is almost certain to go down more in a few months when the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery begin to produce PMS locally as well as the impending resumption of production at the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries,” he explained. 

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

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