President Bola Tinubu has charged his ministers to be hard working and come up with policies and programmes to turn around the economy.
He has also given the cabinet members a marching order to marshal the revival of the economy and make life more bearable for the people.
Speaking at the inaugural Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the President insisted that the present administration inherited a bad economy, with an inflation rate of 24 per cent, and unacceptably high unemployment.
His words; ”Being appointed as minister is to become a servant for the people, and serving all the people.
“Nigerians expect a lot from all of us. As I said during the inauguration, I am the bus driver and you are the conductor.
“We have to make sure this country stays on the right path to succeed on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians.
“We willingly accepted the appointment and I accepted the mandate of Nigerians. I have delegated some of these powers to you to serve the country.
“You are a very lucky person to be selected among millions of Nigerians and we will use the opportunity to show that Nigeria has what it takes to dig ourselves out of our problems.
“We must find a homegrown re-engineering of our finances, manage our resources and let the economy work for the people of this country.
“There are so many things some cynics will say is impossible. But in your dictionary of service, everything is possible and must be possible.
“We have the talents; we have the level of intellectual capacity to turn this country around. You and I know that the expectation is high and it’s a tough time right now.
“We must work hard, commit ourselves and create a buoyant economy that will serve every Nigerian. We have an employment level that is unacceptable. We are threatened by climate change. We still have underemployment.
“But to turn things around, you have been selected to perform your utmost best. The policy agenda will be set out to reform the economy to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and strengthen national security for peace and prosperity.
“Without security there can be no investment. That is true. You have to convince them and the time is now to do that.
“When you look around the world, every leader is clamouring for what they believe on what should be there — policy on food security. We have declared a state of emergency.
“Every one of you is a member of this team. Every one of you, No partitioning. We can do whatever we want from the assignment of responsibility. But it all depends on you if you stay focused, we will all arrive at a better destination and the country will be better off for it.
“We must unlock the energy and natural resources of this country. We must start producing for ourselves, and dig ourselves out of the hole. We must focus on education, healthcare and social investment that is essential for the development of our people.
“Our priority areas are defined in our economic programmes. Every area is our priority and you belong in the driver’s position to realize and make that priority a fulfilling promise to the entire nation and the continent of Africa.
“You must achieve the economic growth that is expected of us. We must feed our people. We must leverage what we have and grow more to satisfy Nigerians. It is all in your hands now.
“I am ready to listen. Like I said to the NBA yesterday, I am ready even for corrections. Only God is perfect. Don’t be afraid to make decisions. That’s the burden of leadership.
“I know some of you are still looking for offices. I believe the SGF, COS, HOSOF will work as a team to settle you down quickly. “Imagine yourselves that in this situation you have been called upon to fetch water from a dry well. “The challenges are there but we will deliver for Nigerians.
“Once again, I welcome all of you and I am happy to be the driver/captain of this vehicle and I am very proud of all of you.”
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the inaugural Federal Executive Council, FEC meeting, presided over by President Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, while fielding questions from journalists said the federal government unveiled an 8-point agenda to turn around the economy.
He said agenda was based on eight priority areas, with identified targets that would be delivered in the next three years.
According to him, these are food security; ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, particularly consumer credit, inclusivity in all its dimensions, particularly as regards youths and women, improving security, improving the playing field on which people and particularly companies operate, rule of law, and of course, fighting corruption.
