President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration remains steadfast in implementing necessary economic reforms to facilitate business growth and create investment opportunities that support Nigeria’s growing population.
Receiving a delegation from the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Florizelle Liser, in Abuja, Thursday, President Tinubu reiterated his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability, emphasizing that he is not relenting until his vision for Nigeria is achieved.
He commended the recent landing of a 45,000-kilometre submarine fiber optic cable in Akwa Ibom state, which establishes connectivity for the entire South-South region of Nigeria with Europe, and other parts of Africa via the Atlantic Ocean.
Highlighting the significance of this accomplishment, Tinubu said with the right policies, partnerships and determination, Nigeria can overcome long-standing developmental challenges that encumbered rapid progress across sectors.
Drawing on his extensive experience in corporate governance and interactions with CCA during his tenure as the two-term governor of Lagos state, President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the Council’s dedication to fostering business connections between the United States of America and Africa.
”I am happy that the Council is interested in various segments of Nigeria’s economy. We are right in the middle of a challenging stage of our reforms. We have headwinds, no doubt, but we are not going back.
”We are challenged, and we believe we will overcome the challenges. I have a can-do attitude that must be translated into a must-do attitude. We have a good team, and we must remain focused to get the goal accomplished,” he said.
The president reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, emphasizing that his administration’s focus on investing in key sectors, such as agriculture, solid minerals, energy, health, physical infrastructure, trade promotion, financial services, digital enterprise, and the creative economy is underpinned by the need to ensure the welfare and prosperity of citizens.
”We are going to do more on security and investing in education, as we believe that education is the greatest weapon against poverty. We welcome partners like CCA, and we will strengthen our partnership to achieve our goals,” he said.
In her remarks, Ms. Liser expressed CCA’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through the eight priority areas outlined by President Tinubu’s administration.
She invited the president to consider participating in CCA’s US-Africa Business Summit in May in Dallas, Texas, and urged him to consider CCA as a partner in enhancing USA-Nigeria trade, business and investment.
…Abbas on challenges
Meanwhile, Speaker House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has assured that the nation’s legislature would continue to synergize with the executive in the midst of the current challenges facing the people.
Abbas gave the assurance Thursday at the valedictory session in honour of former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who passed on December 27, 2023.
The speaker noted that the principles of separation of power revolved around synergy among the three arms of government, and not designed for division but a formula for collaboration.
“Through constructive partnership grounded in dialogue and cooperation, we can address the present difficulties and lay out the blueprint for a new Nigeria that is the economic powerhouse of the region and the world,” he said.
Abbas said the Green Chamber would speed up the passage of critical legislation to empower the Executive and support President Tinubu in tackling the nation’s economic challenges.
On the challenges since the nation’s return to democracy in 1999, the speaker said: “Nigeria has faced and continues to confront a myriad of issues and challenges. Yet, the resilience of our democracy, strengthened by the contributions of Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba and many others who followed him have allowed us to navigate these tumultuous waters with hope and determination.
“Today, we are reminded ever more eloquently of the profound truth that the true measure of a life well-lived is not found in the accumulation of wealth but in the legacy of service one leaves behind. May his family and friends find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew him and generations to come.”
On the late lawmaker’s legacies, the speaker described him as “a modest and deeply religious man who gave the last full measure of devotion to his work and Nigeria. He lived a simple life but always with the end in mind. His life is, therefore, a worthy lesson for political office holders of today and generations of politicians to come.
“While this is a moment of grief and national mourning, it is equally a time for sober reflection and celebration of his unblemished public service record and enduring legacy. At a more personal level, I am humbled by the enormity of his contributions and inspired by the purity of his vision.
“As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the enduring strength of our democracy and the pivotal role of the legislature in that regard.
“At the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Nigeria stood on the threshold of history. After long years of military rule, Nigerians longed for stability, democracy, and governance that resonated with their hopes and aspirations. It was in this context that Hon. Na’Abba assumed the position of the Speaker, guiding this House with wisdom, dedication, and unwavering commitment.
“His tenure laid the foundations of a robust, independent legislature, vital for the checks and balances that underpin a vibrant democratic system. His leadership was characterised by a profound understanding that the strength of a democracy is measured not just by the freedom enjoyed by its citizens but also by the strength of its institutions.
“Under his stewardship, the House of Representatives emerged as a forum for vigorous debate and a powerful instrument for change and development. He championed laws and reforms that continue to impact our nation, fostering economic growth, social justice, and the welfare of all Nigerians.
“Additionally, he laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of this House and pursued institutional building with unparalleled vigour and passion.
“Moreover, his tenure was marked by efforts to ensure the independence of the legislature, recognising that a truly democratic society thrives when its legislative arm operates without undue influence, freely articulating the will and aspirations of the people.
“He worked diligently with his colleagues to ensure the National Assembly budget was put on first-line charge. He also formalised the legislative aides’ system we operate today, which continues to boost the capacity of legislators for enhanced performance.
“The vision of Hon. Na’Abba has been supported by successive administrations, with the Executive arm working in concert with the National Assembly to ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability.
“The contributions of Hon. Na’Abba to legislative strengthening and institution building are indeed too numerous to mention. He established a strong bond with the people through the first Legislative Agenda of the House of Representatives, tagged, ‘House Contract with the Nigerian People,” he added.
