President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria as a nation will require resilience, determination and collective action to overcome its current challenges.
He made the pronouncement on Tuesday, at the opening ceremony of the 17th annual Chartered Institute of Bankers Banking and Finance Conference 2024.
According to the President, the current administration will maintain its focus on how to make life better for citizens.
‘The journey ahead will require determination, resilience, and collective action. However, I am confident that with the continued support from the leadership of the Nigerian banking and finance sector, we will accelerate our economic growth and development.
‘We will chart a path that ensures prosperity for all Nigerians and positions our nation as a beacon of stability and opportunity in Africa.’
President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, applauded the contribution of the banking sector towards socio-economic development.
‘The Chartered Institute of Bankers of N
igeria (CIBN) has, over the years, demonstrated its unrelenting commitment to addressing the dynamic and evolving landscape of our economy. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that after today’s deliberations, valuable and actionable strategies will evolve to guide and support our efforts to rebuild the nation’s economy.
‘In a world where economic landscapes are constantly shifting, the banking community has always been instrumental in every effort towards recovery, growth and sustainable economic development. I am glad that you have put together this Conference to provide the platform for the brightest minds in the industry in this nation to come together to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to the pressing issues of our time.
‘The conversations during this event will allow us to dissect the critical problems affecting our financial system and economy, identify opportunities for growth, and collectively shape the future of banking and finance in Nigeria,
‘ said the Nigerian leader.’
Decisive Steps
President Tinubu said his administration has taken courageous steps to reform Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment, with a focus on restoring confidence in the nation’s economy.
This, he said, the Nigerian government is rigorously working to actualize through measures targeted at reducing inflation, stabilizing the foreign exchange market and improving fiscal management.
He stressed the importance of the theme for the conference, ‘Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward.’
‘The theme for this year’s Conference is both timely and imperative as we navigate the complexities of the Nigerian economy. At this time, Nigeria faces a host of interconnected challenges that affect every aspect of our society, ranging from high inflation, rising costs of living, and unemployment to infrastructure deficits and the ongoing effects of global economic shifts.
‘However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and develop
ment. This theme will enable us to evaluate where we stand as a nation, understand the root causes of our economic challenges, and explore actionable strategies to accelerate growth and development sustainably and inclusively.’
President Tinubu also noted that his administration is committed to strengthening infrastructure development in the ongoing bid to grow Nigeria’s economy.
‘We are committed to upgrading Nigeria’s infrastructure to support economic growth. We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships to reduce transportation costs and improve market access.’
He expressed hope that the conference will provide a platform for sharing ideas, exchanging knowledge, and exploring innovative solutions to the challenges bedevilling the country.
Source: Voice of Nigeria