In a bid to mobilize stakeholders for the repositioning of the economy, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, said that the outcomes of recent government policies and programs are already yielding tangible results. Both State and Federal Governments now enjoying more substantial allocations.

The Vice President stated this during an event that took place today in Abuja, at the opening of the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference themed: ‘Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Empowerment: The Role of The Financial Services Industry’.

The Vice President whose remarks were titled ‘Our Priorities in a Post-Pandemic World’, noted that “we must now do what pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time. We seek your partnership in getting this done. We cannot take your support for granted.”

He further stated that “this journey towards economic rejuvenation is not one to be undertaken in isolation. It is a call to forge robust partnerships with strategic nations and multilateral organizations, for in unity, Nigeria can reposition itself as a formidable, globally competitive partner, urging stakeholders to hands join in serving the nation’’.

Speaking on the ‘Eight-Point Agenda’ of the Tinubu Administration, the Vice President said “We have resolved to prioritize food security and ending poverty. We are prioritizing economic growth and job creation. We are prioritizing access to capital and improving security.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said that the mandate of the Ministry is to “Ensure the Preparation and Coordination of Budget and Plans for healthy socioeconomic development and growth of the nation, advising various tiers of Government on the implementation of such plans and policies and coordination of foreign technical assistance in support of the nations.

He pointed out that the Ministry has a direct relationship with Nigeria’s financial sector, not as a regulator of course but even more so as a partner in progress and the door will always be open for the Chartered Institute of Banking in Nigeria  (CIBN), adding that the banking sector has a critical and undisputed role in National Planning.

The Minister noted that ‘’to grow Nigeria’s economy, we must empower our youthful population and this can only be achieved by having an inclusive and sustainable financial services industry, adding that the biggest threat to retaining our best brains today is Emigration and our country’s talent is being sought after in the more developed countries in Europe and North America’’.

Bagudu further stated that ‘’emigration is a personal choice for the person and his family, our country cannot and will not forcefully stop anyone from legally pursuing their dreams and ambitions. If they choose to leave Nigeria, all we can ask is for them to be good ambassadors for our country in their adopted homes’’.

The Minister also said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to doing its best to create the most enabling environment that will encourage these vibrant brains to stay home and contribute to national development without compromising on the wants, needs, and ambitions of Nigerian professionals, pointing that for those that have already left, we will develop plans to bring them back home.

Also speaking the Ag. Governor, of the Central Bank of Nigeria Mr. Folashodun Ade Shonubi, FCIB said that ‘’the banking industry has contributed to various initiatives that have helped the economy which include education and several disasters, adding that the banking industry contributed about 3.6%’’.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of the CIBN, Mr. Ken Opara said the event which has grown to become the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa, provides the platform for professionals to come together to drive conversation on topical issues that are critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

 

Olatunji Modupe  Susan
Senior Information Officer

For: Director, Information (FMBEP)

5/09/23