Discard Past Conventions For Economic Growth, Shettima Tells Privatisation Council

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged members of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to ensure their economic decisions and reforms are reflected in the lives of Nigerians from all parts of the country.

Specifically, he urged them to defy the way things were being done in the past in order to pave the way for economic growth that is in harmony with the aspirations of the citizens.

According to a statement by VP’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President gave the charge on Monday during the induction programme for members of the NCP and other critical stakeholders in Abuja.

Last Friday, Senator Shettima had while inaugurating the newly constituted NCP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, told members to station themselves on the frontline of actualising the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

Speaking at the induction programme for Council members three days after, he said, “This retreat is for each of us to, once again, pledge our allegiance not only to our roles but to the aspirations of every Nigerian. Our decisions here must transcend the boardrooms; they must resonate in the lives of our fellow citizens, from Abia State, down through Lagos State, to Zamfara State. We must stand together to pave the way for a nation in tune with the dynamics of the changing world.

“I am, therefore, confident that each of you would understand the need to be more inclined to engage wholeheartedly, challenge conventions, and envision a future where the engines of economic growth roar harmoniously with the aspirations of our people. But, then, we are not there to consider an alternative path.”

Delivering his address titled, “Let’s Create a Difference Together,” the VP told the NCP members categorically that they cannot afford to write the chapter of the nation’s history unfavourably in the voyage of discovery they were embarking on, adding that a lot depended on the solutions they proffer in the pursuit of their mandate to make Nigeria “a vineyard of economic opportunities”.

VP Shettima, who is also chairman of the NCP, reminded members of the Council that the task before them demands “going to every horizon of the hotbed of opportunities to initiate transformative reform and to collaborate,” even as he implored them to embed the reforms they were set to make in President Tinubu’s 8-point renewed hope agenda.

He continued: “Whatever we set out to adopt as the cardinal of our reforms must be embedded in the eight-point presidential priorities announced by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Our choices should echo as the guiding light illuminating our path ahead.

“From ensuring food security to eradicating poverty, from fostering inclusive growth to facilitating job creation, from enhancing access to capital to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption, we must realise that these are not mere aspirations but the fundamental pillars upon which our nation’s prosperity rests.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the National Council on Privatization, along with the Bureau of Public Enterprises, bears the critical responsibility of driving commercial interventions that align seamlessly with these priority areas.

“However, it’s essential for each of us to pledge to create a future where every citizen thrives. Our aim is to transform economic prosperity from a distant dream into a tangible reality.

“By the end of this retreat, my hope is that we will become more resolute about the necessity of letting our discussions resound with echoes of innovative strategies, collaborative initiatives, and uncompromising commitments to the principles enshrined in Mr. President’s visionary agenda.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, underscored the significance of the Federal Government’s privatisation programme and highlighted its impact on the management of enterprises owned by the government since the inception of the programme.

For his part, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, commended members of the newly constituted Council for their commitment to national service as demonstrated by their participation in the induction programme.

He urged them to give their best in the new task, noting that the success of the Council would largely be dependent on synergy among stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

Also present at the induction programme were Hon. Joshua Audu Gana and Hon. Aluko Ahmed Yinka, representing the National Assembly; Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Mines and Steel Development, Alh. Shuaibu Audu, and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mairiga.