NEWS
President Tinubu’s Address at the Nigeria Economic Summit
(AS DELIVERED BY VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA)
Protocol
It is with immense pleasure that I address the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit. Over the past three decades, this Summit has been a forum for government and private sector stakeholders to exchange ideas, debate policy, and identify innovative solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
2.
The theme of this year’s Summit, “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” could not be more appropriate, as it encapsulates the pressing need for concerted efforts to address the multidimensional issues we currently face. Like many other nations, Nigeria has experienced significant economic turbulence over the past few years. The challenges have been global and domestic—ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating oil prices to internal security issues, inflation, and structural weaknesses in our economy, such as over-reliance on oil revenue and lack of economic diversification.3. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigeria’s growth trajectory has been volatile, heavily dependent on oil revenues, and unable to create enough jobs to keep pace with our rapidly growing population. As a nation, we must prioritise economic diversification. Your role in this process is crucial. Considering this, my administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, has embarked on bold and courageous reforms designed to create an environment that fosters sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. Our focus is on sectors that can offer inclusive and sustainable growth, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy.
4. We have thus prioritised investments in critical infrastructure, enhanced our social safety nets, and promoted innovation across all sectors. I am pleased to report that we are making significant strides in addressing several key issues, including regulatory bottlenecks and ease of doing business challenges. This progress should instil confidence in our collective ability to overcome these challenges.
5. Our objective is to ensure that the Nigerian economy is inclusive, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can thrive alongside large corporations, and where every citizen, regardless of location or background, can benefit from economic opportunities.
6. We have initiated various programmes, such as the MSME hubs and single-digit loans for manufacturers, designed to provide entrepreneurs with the support they need to succeed. We have also introduced the Credit Corporation to offer our workers consumer loans with single-digit interest. These initiatives collectively will boost the economy and ensure it remains competitive in Africa and globally.
7. Economic growth and competitiveness can only be sustained with political and economic stability. Since 2009, Nigeria has faced numerous threats to its stability, from security challenges to macro-fiscal imbalances. This government is fully committed to confronting these issues head-on. We are investing heavily in security operations to combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity that threaten lives and livelihoods.
8. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we are also implementing fiscal reforms to stabilise the macroeconomic environment. Removing fuel subsidies, unification of forex rates, and debt management strategies are all part of a broader effort to restore economic balance and ensure long-term stability.
9. It is also important to note that stability is not just about managing crises as they arise. It is about building a resilient economy that can withstand shocks, ensuring the stability of the macroeconomic indicators and sustained growth trajectory. To achieve this, we must strengthen our social safety nets and ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are protected during tough times. We are already expanding programmes like the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy and other livelihood support initiatives critical to millions of Nigerians. However, we must do more to institutionalise these safety nets and make them a permanent feature of our economic architecture.
10. No single sector or stakeholder can address these challenges alone. What we need now, more than ever, is collaboration—where the public and private sectors, civil society, and international development partners collaborate to drive a shared vision for growth and development.
11. I want to emphasise that the challenges before us, while significant, are manageable and can be overcome. With the right policies, the right partnerships, and the right level of commitment, Nigeria can emerge stronger, more competitive, and more resilient.
The Nigerian Economic Summit remains invaluable for fostering the dialogue and collaboration needed to move our country forward. Let us use this platform to discuss and make actionable recommendations that will inform policy to drive growth, enhance competitiveness, and secure long-term stability for Nigeria.
12. On this note, I am honoured to declare the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit Open. I wish you fruitful deliberations.
13. Thank you for your attention, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Enugu State Commissioner for Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Ben Osy Okoh, has reiterated its firm commitment to upholding the highest standards in all government-awarded contracts, reinforcing the state’s vision for transformational development.This was disclosed in a statement by the Public relations officer ministry of work and infrastructure Enugu State, Ngozi Ngene on Tuesday.
Okoh In his first meeting with the Ministry’s Management Staff emphasized that quality control remains a non-negotiable priority. According to him “Every contract awarded by the state must be executed strictly according to its specifications. If the contract requires concrete strength of 25 Newton per millimeter square, that is exactly what we expect. There will be no compromise.”He further emphasised the critical need for strict adherence to established standards and international best practices in road construction, warning that pavement thickness must meet approved specifications, and that asphalt must be produced, transported, laid and compacted at the appropriate temperatures in line with global standards. “Anything short of these best practices will not be accepted”.”To ensure rigorous quality assurance, the Ministry is prioritising the upgrade and full resourcing of the Materials Laboratory Department, the technical unit responsible for testing and verifying construction materials. I take personal responsibility for ensuring that our materials lab is fully equipped to deliver accurate and timely quality checks,” he said.The Commissioner expressed strong commitment to the Governor’s transformative agenda, saying that “We are aligned with His Excellency’s dream of transforming Enugu State. The state we knew two years ago will be completely different by the end of this administration. We are committed to making this vision a reality, swiftly and effectively”.He underscored the importance of professionalism, diligence, and collective responsibility. He noted that existing operational challenges are being systematically addressed, with particular attention to enhancing the wellbeing and working environment of field personnel.He further affirmed that those who show commitment and dedication will be recognised and rewarded as the Ministry carries out its responsibilities. He also emphasised the need for strengthened project monitoring and evaluation to ensure strict compliance with approved specifications and timely delivery.”The Ministry will ensure that all contractors engaged on state projects meet their contractual obligations and responsibilities. Our philosophy shall be anchored on quality, transparency, and accountability. Every project must adhere to approved specifications, timelines, and best practices. We are committed to delivering infrastructure that reflects value for money and stands the test of time”.“We are not just constructing roads and bridges,” the Commissioner concluded, “We are setting a new national standard for public works where excellence is absolutely non-negotiable.”In alignment with this vision, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ogugua Emehelu, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and commended his early initiatives. He emphasised the importance of open communication and teamwork within the Ministry, encouraging staff to engage constructively with the new Commissioner and extend their full support. He noted that the success of the Ministry depends on collective effort and shared responsibility.Head of Administration and Supply, Princess Nnaji speaking on behalf of the Ministry, pledged full support to the new Commissioner and appealed for mutual acceptance and cooperation to achieve the desired results.
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has disclosed that under his administration, the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) has recorded groundbreaking progress in health insurance coverage grown 93,605 enrollees in May 2023, to enrolment skyrocketed to 208,550 by March 31, 2025 having a 123% increase.
He reiterated his commitment in expanding the state healthcare contributory scheme to include more vulnerable citizens of the state. Mutfwang made this known on Monday during a Media perley with the entire media community.According to him, “Under the Time is now administration, PLASCHEMA has recorded groundbreaking progress in health insurance coverage, ICT transformation, and access to care.”From 93,605 enrollees in May 2023, enrolment skyrocketed to 208,550 by March 31, 2025 a 123% increase. This expansion includes enrollees from the formal sector, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), and newly introduced equity programs such as Mutfwang Care for retired civil servants.”He noted that a major overhaul of the Agency’s ICT infrastructure has enhanced transparency, real-time monitoring, and user experience.”The system now supports direct premium payments via Paystack, Mobile and offline enrolments, Real-time dashboards, and Automatic ID card generation for enrollees and dependents. The reforms have strengthened data integrity, enhanced transparency, and decentralized access through new zonal offices in Barkin Ladi, Pankshin, and Shendam,” he stated.The Governor disclosed that the “Mutfwang Care Initiative” has already covered over 9,000 vulnerable citizens, with Governor Mutfwang personally flagging off enrolment.”PLASCHEMA also plans to deploy a full Electronic Medical Records system in Q2 2025, integrated with the National Identity Number (NIN), to revolutionize verification, utilization tracking, and accountability across healthcare tiers,” Mutfwang statedThe Governor further disclosed that the Impact Project: Transforming Maternal and Child Health launched in 2021 towards improving Child and Maternal Health Project (IMPACT) in Plateau State is making tangible strides toward reducing under-five and maternal mortality has made significant progress.”The state is on course to reduce under-five mortality from 132 to 79 per 1,000 live births by 2030 Achievements (2023–2024). Increased antenatal and postnatal attendance, Rise in skilled birth attendant (SBA) deliveries, Improved uptake of IPT3 (malaria prevention during pregnancy).”More children under one year fully immunized, with a notable decline in infant and maternal deaths. Key investments consist of the deployment of 207 motorbikes to boost outreach and referrals.”Installation of solar power systems in all the 207 Basic Health Care Provision Fund Facilities (BHCPF) in 207 Federal wards across the state. Renovation and tiling of delivery rooms for safer childbirth.”Distribution of 207 laptops for digital health reporting. Digitization of all BHCPF facilities for real-time monitoring.Contracts awarded to upgrade 82 PHCs to meet national standards,” Mutfwang noted.From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo has urged citizens to protect government property against vandalism.Fanwo stressed the need for citizens to see government property as their own since they were provided to serve their needsHe gave the warning when he led the management team of the Ministry on an on the spot visit to Radio Nigeria Prime FM Lokoja, where hoodlums carted away valuable broadcast equipment at the Radio Station.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ebenezer Adurodija, described the act as barbaric and disheartening, “The incessant vandalism of Broadcasting Stations is disheartening and must be addressed properly,” he stated.He also urged the management at the headquarters to take necessary steps to ensure that the vandalised equipment are replaced as soon as possible.Fanwo called on the federal government and other stakeholders to intensify the security of the Broadcasting Station for the safety of the staff and the property.The Commissioner reiterated Kogi State Government’s efforts in ensuring the security of the broadcast stations, whether federal, state, or private, as they are soft targets for hoodlums and disgruntled elements.”We will do everything possible to ensure the safety of all the broadcasting stations in the state, government or non-government to avert future occurrence”Communities have a big role in protecting government property within their domains. We seek the cooperation of our community leaders to also assist the government in this regard,” he emphasized.In his remarks, the General Manager of the station, Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, appreciated Kingsley Fanwo and the management team of the Ministry of Information and Communications for identifying with them at their grieving moment, describing the action of the hoodlums as unfortunateAlhaji Momohjimoh highlighted that the criminals came prepared as most of the equipment carted away could not be removed with bare hands without tools, noting that they have communicated the incident to the zonal headquarters in Lafia.The General Manager appealed to the state government and security agencies to help media houses with personnel to secure lives and property.He also appealed to the state government for financial assistance to enhance the smooth running of the station as the state is for Kogi State, while 95% of the staff are from the state.Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh urged the community to give necessary support to safeguard the radio station.
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