I’ll Turn Nigeria’s Current Challenges Into Opportunities For Growth – Tinubu

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has promised to turn the nation’s current challenges into opportunities for growth and development if elected President in 2023.

Tinubu made the promise on Thursday during an interaction with business owners at a business luncheon held in Lagos Stat, Naija News reports.

Fix Security

The APC flagbearer also promised to work towards ensuring there is security in the country to create an enabling environment for them to do their businesses.

Tinubu vowed to secure Nigerians from violence and the fear of such violence if elected, saying that his administration would make security its priority the same way he did when he was Lagos State governor.

He pledged to increase the numbers of military and non-military security forces and create Specialist anti-terrorist battalions with integrated special forces units.

The APC Presidential candidate, therefore, asserted business and insecurity cannot thrive side by side.

He said: “First, the primary responsibility of the government is to protect the lives, properties and prosperity of its citizens.

“As governor of Lagos, fixing the difficult security situation I inherited was the first item on my list. Only after we secured the state and changed its reputation for the better, could we embark on the economic reforms that have ultimately produced the vibrant and active megacity of today.

“I am committed to securing Nigerians from violence and the fear of such violence. Terror, kidnapping and banditry have no place in the society I envision. Upon entering office, we will move to implement several measures.

“We will increase the numbers of our military and non-military security forces. Specialist anti-terrorist battalions with integrated special forces units shall also be established.

“Our critical national Infrastructure Protection Plan will deploy aerial and ground surveillance technology to survey the most dangerous areas and secure our country’s vital national infrastructure and installations.

“We shall acquire and upgrade the tactical communications and mobility of our troops and security personnel. We must also devote greater attention to the care and welfare of our military and security forces who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.”

Fix Economy And Private Sector

The former Lagos governor also pledged that his government would give room for private the sector to thrive.

Tinubu promised that his government would not interfere in areas the private sector is doing well.

He said: “Our guiding principle regarding economic policy shall be to provide the right policy framework so that business can flourish.

“But I want to do more than help existing businesses to exist. We must create the space where new sectors and lines of business can open. We must grow this economy so that it can accommodate over 200 million people with a decent standard of living.

“My government will collaborate with the private sector to bring about massive infrastructural renewal that enhance economic opportunities, lower business cost and overheads while producing jobs that spur further growth and development through increased consumer demand. This is the virtuous economic cycle we seek to create.

“From our national infrastructural campaign to our national portable water campaign and plans to reticulate major dams, our intention is to leverage public private partnerships to attract private sector investment along the critical path leading from modernisation of infrastructure to realization of sustainable, yet significant economic growth.

“Please also note the various sectors in which we have promised fiscal incentives, tax breaks, tax credits, rebates and access to finance.

“My aim is to develop local manufacturing and value-added businesses. My aim is to deepen consumer lending, increase affordable housing and provide business owners with low-cost loans to modernise operations and improve productivity.  My aim is to reform the structural foundation of our economy. To accomplish this major feat, government and the private [sector] must work hand in hand.

“Our policy will further stimulate our world-leading start-up ecosystem. I want our brilliant entrepreneurs to continue to innovate our people out of poverty and lead us towards the path of prosperity.”