There is the need for the private sector to tap fully into the innovative capacity of Nigerians.
This is the view of Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) who gave the concluding thoughts at the 27th Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) which was held in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Securing our future: The fierce urgency of now”, Professor Osinbajo called on the private sector to take advantage of untapped resources – especially the youth – the nation has to offer.
The Vice President said, “I think we must focus on what this country has to offer in terms of all of the resources – both human and natural resources – and also the will, the energy, the innovativeness” are all for the private sector’s to take.
“A country with all that can make growth possible and it’s only a matter of getting things right, moving a few things around, and will be well to the kind of progress to come as a country.”
“Politics and all of that can get into the way sometimes” but he is optimistic that the nation is getting better.”
He said the administration prioritises implementation of beneficial policies rather than what is politically expedient.
He said “We are looking at the fastest way to move from point A to point B.”
The VP expressed optimism that though there are challenges with the implementations of these policies, he stressed that the administration remains committed to stamping out corruption in the public sector.
He noted that despite the challenges, the government launched the Visa on Arrival policy which has significantly reduced corruption in passport and visa applications.
He said in implementing these electronic platforms, the young people have put all their energy and resources into developing these policies. He said “All the great ideas that we have, the young people putting all their energy and resources” into them because the country “affords us the opportunity to be able to achieve great things.”
He commended the resilience and response of the private sector in coping with economic challenges occasioned by COVID-19. He said “I think the private sector in Nigeria in terms of coping with stuff… I think the private sector has done very well. And I strongly believe that with what we have learnt post-pandemic, business after the pandemic and how they responded, now they are back.”
