LET’S DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ATTRACT INVESTMENTS; WALE EDUN TELLS AGENCIES HEADS

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has called on Heads of Agencies and Parastatals under the Ministry to collaborate in achieving the full implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda that aims to boost economic growth and development; this he believes will attract foreign investors and expertise into the country.

Speaking at a quarterly performance review briefing with the Heads of Agencies and Parastatals in Abuja, Mr. Edun emphasized the importance of synergy and effective implementation, observing that the gathering will serve as a means to benchmark where they are and pinpoint where they need to get to and how to get there.

Highlighting the progress made so far under the present Administration, the minister said that the meeting would also serve as a benchmark towards the implementation of the performance bond signed by Mr. President, which is aimed at reviewing the achievements made in the last one year, address challenges and chart a way forward for improved performance of the Ministry.

“We have all signed performance bonds. We all know the plan and blueprint, which are the eight-point agenda of Mr. President. It has been categorised as a house.  The pillars are the fundamentals that you need for the Economy and society to thrive that is, security, rule of law, and at the very top is the roof, that is, the outcomes: food security and other measures of a good standard; Our collective efforts and shared commitment is not only pivotal in ensuring the efficient and effective management of the nation’s economy, but should also go a long way in facilitating the realization of the agenda of Mr. President, he said.

A statement by Mohammed Manga, Director Information & Public Relations at the ministry disclosed that the Minister explained that by working together, the Agencies can help create a conducive environment for economic growth, attract investors, and make opportunities available for Nigerians to thrive.

He further stated that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-Administration has helped stabilize the exchange rate and is working towards lower interest rates that would invite the bases for additional investments in the nation.

“It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to pursue the achievements of our deliverables with diligence and determination by establishing clear targets, timelines, and consequences for non- compliance with our respective Agencies/Parastatals. We can help to create a framework that incenticizes excellence and service delivery as well as build the needed synergy and partnership that can facilitate the implementation of the transformative economic policies of this administration”, Edun said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, stated that the engagement would provide a unique platform for robust discussions, especially in the area of implementation of the transformative policies of the present administration, which she said, aims at improving the nation’s economy, promoting job creation, and poverty reduction as well as a safety environment that will attract investments into the country.

Also speaking, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Okokon Ekenam Udo advised the Agencies to collectively align their efforts with the fiscal goals set by the Federal Government with a view to ensuring the realization of its policy objective.