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By Lukman Olabiyi
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has said the cooperation and support of the private sector was required to implement the reforms in his economic master-plan.
He said this at the campaign council town hall meeting and dialogue with the Business Community in Lagos, yesterday.
He noted that during his tenure as governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007, his administration developed a largely successful blueprint.
He explained that the success of his tenure turned the state into a safer, more prosperous place, for any legitimate venture irrespective of person, religion, region or ethnicity.
“We opened the door for Nigerians to witness the same thing as we work hand in hand with the business community sharing the same goal of prosperity and renewed hope.
“I now stand before you seeking a bigger yet similar job; the similar practical work that improved Lagos is what I want to bring to the nation.
“The task ahead is difficult but doable and I need you to help this come through,” he said.
Tinubu commended the efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, saying the government performed with patriotism and commitment during trying times.
He, however, stressed the need to go further and faster, via his experience in both public and private sector to renew hopes and rebuff the despair of Nigerians.
Tinubu reeled some of his economic blueprint to include the revival of the nation’s industries by bringing the nation’s industrial policy to life through creation of major and minor industrial hubs in each of the geographical zones to grow faster from bottom up.
He added that his team would foster productive excellence in areas such as light manufacturing, the creative industry, with active participation in the digital economy to birth the fourth industrial revolution.
Tinubu said his administration, if given the opportunity to be president, would target a minimum Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of between six to ten per cent.
He further said the requisite reforms to champion productivity in the agricultural sector for increased exports and provision of food for the ordinary citizen would be done.
“We must produce, then buy made in Nigeria; we shall make Nigeria a leader instead of a bystander. We seek consumer credit revolution, affordable credit for businesses and the business sector shall increase in so many folds.
“It took a lot to start the dream and realise the goal of that sea port. For land and water management – all catchment areas must be studied to stem all problems,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed his determination to provide constant electricity, expand infrastructure from roads to ports, lands, and deep sea ports.
