Our economy will soon bounce back – Tinubu assures Nigerians

By Christiana Ekpa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday assured Nigerians and the international community that Nigeria’s economy will soon re-bounce back.

President Tinubu who gave the assurance while flagging off the two-day Green Economy Summit: ‘Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity’, organized by Niger State Government in Minna, also pledged unfettered support for the Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago’s Green Economy initiative aimed at unlocking the vast mineral resources across the State.

The President who was represented by the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, gave insight into the newly approved solid mineral development policy during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday.

He said: “President Tinubu is also another visionary leader and we are grateful to Almighty Allah for bringing him to serve our country at this point in time. Permit me to say, just yesterday, to show the President’s commitment to the enthronement of a green economy, just yesterday (Monday) at the Federal Executive Council, a new solid mineral development policy was approved.

“And this policy will definitely align and benefit the green economy that you have envisioned for Niger State because the policy is emphasizing on removing all forms of illegality that is desecrating and destroying our environment.

“It also intends to ensure a new principle of resource-use efficiency while allowing people who will want to operate legally to do so in the mining sector. And like his Excellency, the Governor said, Niger State is blessed with a number of mineral elements.

“I want to assure you that the President’s commitment to enthronement of green economy over the next couple of years, will find favour with the green economy vision you have for Niger State.

“Finally, I want to assure you that the President is fully aware of all the difficulties occasioned by some of the difficult decisions that have to be taken at this point in time and his charge is to simply say please pray for us, give us your understanding and as we make this powerful sacrifice, the gains of our sacrifice is just a short minute or short hours away from us.

“Very soon, we shall begin to reap the benefits of these tough decisions, as our economy will re-bounce back and for us food security which is his number one priority, will also begin to get the full attention it deserves,” Mr. President said.

In his address, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State who convened the first subnational Green Economy Summit, disclosed that his administration has “produced its first Green Economy Blueprint, a strategic document outlining a visionary roadmap that will shape our development choices and steer our actions, in alignment with the precepts of sustainability.

“We are using this Summit to present a draft to stakeholders for their review and input, after which it shall be formally launched and applied in the preparation of our appropriation proposals for 2024 and beyond.

“This blueprint is a comprehensive guide that details our vision, objectives, strategies, and actions, designed to transform our state into a beacon of green prosperity that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically robust. It spans across vital sectors, encompassing renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, inclusivity, and tourism. It lays out a detailed plan for sourcing financial support, technology transfer, capacity building, and fostering strategic partnerships in the realisation of our mission.

“This blueprint, in its entirety, is not just a document; it is a clarion call to collective action. It beckons the active engagement and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and our local communities. Innovative solutions, tailored to our unique context and needs, must be unearthed and harnessed,” he noted.

Speaking further on the blueprint, he said: “We aspire to create a state where its citizens enjoy access to fundamental social amenities and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life. These include top-tier healthcare, access to high-quality and inclusive education, safeguarded lives and property, assured food security, clean drinking water, affordable housing, recreational venues, and opportunities for sports and leisure.

“We envision a state with a sustainable economy, underpinned by substantial agricultural growth, investments in tourism, the utilization of renewable energy, the responsible extraction of solid minerals, fostering innovation, embracing cutting-edge technology, promoting diverse services, establishing free trade zones, cultivating industrial parks, and establishing economic cities as vital hubs for development and employment.”