The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu on Monday reminded the new ministers that the hopes and aspirations of 200 million fellow Nigerians is currently resting on their daily actions while firmly warning that he would not condone poor performance from any of them.
At the maiden federal executive council meeting he presided over at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the president called on the ministers to look beyond their titles and offices and stay focused on the day-to-day task of their individual and collective contributions to the transformation of the economy for the betterment of Nigerians.
The council considered the ‘Roadmap for the economy’ presented by the minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy, Olawale Edun.
In a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York, Tinubu said he will relentlessly provide the focused leadership required to stop failure in its tracks so that sustainable progress can be achieved.
“We shall evolve a homegrown re-engineering of our finances, a reimagined stewardship of our resources, and we will let the economy work for the people of this country. There are so many things we can and will do. Yes, some cynics will say it is impossible. But in your own dictionary of service, everything is possible, and it must be possible,” the president said .
Emphasizing that anyone thinking that appointments are fixed-term appointments are mistaken, the President expressed confidence that the carefully selected cabinet members know that his government is a new one with a new approach and a new mandate to deliver for Nigeria without any lamentation or excuses.
‘We have the talent. We have the level of intellectual capacity required to turn this country around. We will make sure that the country is on the right path to succeed on behalf of more than 200 million Nigerians who rely on us,’ the President affirmed.
President Tinubu stated that success would not be excused under his leadership and that the nation would rely on the expertise, talent, intelligence, and networking of those who had been appointed to advance in the difficult times.
‘You and I know that expectations are high, and these are tough times. We must work hard and move ourselves to create a buoyant economy that will serve Nigeria. We have an employment rate that is unacceptable, and we are facing threats from climate change. In order to turn things around, you have been selected to perform your utmost best. Our policy implementation will reform the economy, ensure inclusive growth, and strengthen security for peace and prosperity. Without security, there can be no investment,’ the President said.
Tinubu said he was humbled by the mandate God had given to him, and reminded his cabinet that he is only one man and that their innovative thinking to solve problems will shape his leadership as a president who listens.
“It is in your hands now. I am ready to listen and to cooperate. I am ready even to be corrected. Only God is perfect. You have been asked to fetch water from a dry well. The challenges are great, but we will deliver for Nigerians. I am happy to be the captain of this vehicle.
“It is a great commitment that you have made to the country. Since your inauguration as a minister, you have become a servant for the people, serving all of the people, all of the time,” he added.
The president also gave the Federal Executive Council (FEC) members marching orders to begin the process of reviving the economy in order to make life more bearable for citizens.
Speaking on the issue at the post-FEC press briefing, Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun said the council agreed that the economy is not where it should be.
He said FEC examined eight priority areas and identified targets to deliver in the next three years.
The priority areas included economic growth, healthcare, fighting corruption, food security, rule of law, security, ending poverty and job creation, the Minister said.
Edun affirmed that President Tinubu charged the ministers to roll out policies and programmes to turn around the economy.