NECA summit: I’ll strengthen organised private sector, rebuild economy-Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged on Tuesday  to strengthen the organised private sector (OPS) and rebuild the economy, aiming to provide green jobs and increase the wealth of the country.

The President made this promise at the third edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in  Abuja.

The summit is a two-day event with the theme, “Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility”

Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, President Tinubu praised NECA for holding the summit at a time when Nigeria is in need of the contributions of all stakeholders.

According to him, the government, since its inception, has rolled out several reforms aimed at rebuilding the economy, with far-reaching impacts on organised businesses.

“It is without a doubt that this administration is committed to strengthening the private sector and rebuilding our economy.

“In our quest for economic renaissance and national renewal, we have had to embark on various reforms to navigate our nation back from the path of economic ruin.

 “These reforms are not only necessary but also very important if we are to preserve our national wealth and lay a solid foundation for our national development.

“This administration will continue to do all that is necessary to ensure the sustainability of businesses, attract foreign direct investment, and make our nation the pride of Africa as it used to be,” he said.

The president also said that the current challenges are surmountable and that the country will continue to surmount them all.

He added that the challenges were a result of the reforms of the administration.

“I want to assure you that this administration is doing all that is necessary to cushion the pain and make life better for all citizens.

“With our Renewed Hope 8-Point Agenda, I want to assure you of our continuous commitment to rebuild our nation and make it reclaim its pride of place, not only in Africa but also in the world.

“We will continue with various bold and strategic measures that were necessary to address the deep-rooted structural deficiencies and systemic challenges that plagued the economy over the years.

“Despite our country’s complexities and some citizens’ resistance to change, we will remain resolute in our commitment to steering the nation towards stability and prosperity.” He said.

Furthermore, he commended NECA for its many positive impacts in the promotion of enterprise sustainability and competitiveness and, in fact, national growth.

“We will continue to partner and collaborate with like-minded organisations that are focused on national development to drive our economy towards growth and sustainable development.”

Earlier in his remarks, the President of NECA, Mr Taiwo Adeniyi, said the theme of the summit aimed to deepen collaboration and create pathways towards maximising ongoing government reforms by leveraging the capacity and potential of private sector employers.

“We believe this will expedite the achievement of the 8-point “Renewed Hope” agenda of Mr. President towards promoting predictable national development and fostering inclusive growth.

“Since the beginning of this administration, the government has embarked on an ambitious agenda of reforms aimed at revitalising our economy.

“These reforms span various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and digital technology. It also includes significant measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies, the Forex unification policy, and ongoing omnibus monetary and fiscal reforms, among others.”

The NECA President also said the summit, therefore, serves as a platform for dialogue, critical thinking, collaboration, and a call to action for every stakeholder.

He noted that the summit was an opportunity to share insights, best practices, and innovative solutions that can drive our economic renaissance.

“We, therefore, call on the government’s commitment to implementing the action points that will emerge from this summit’s discussions.

“We do not want this to be a mere talk shop, but a summit that fosters an improved socio-economic environment, allowing businesses, irrespective of size and sector, to thrive.