Finance Minister Urges Agencies to Drive Economic Growth Under Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda
By Patience Ikpeme
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has called on the heads of agencies and parastatals under his ministry to collaborate effectively to ensure the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda.
This agenda is designed to boost economic growth and attract foreign investors and expertise to Nigeria.
During a quarterly performance review meeting with these heads in Abuja, Mr. Edun emphasized the importance of teamwork and effective execution to achieve the goals set out in the President’s blueprint. “This is a very important gathering to benchmark where we are and pinpoint where we need to get to and how we intend to get there,” he said.
Mr. Edun highlighted the progress made under the current administration and encouraged continued collaboration among agencies to drive economic prosperity for all Nigerians. He explained that the meeting would serve as a checkpoint for the implementation of the performance bonds signed by the President, aiming to review the past year’s achievements, address challenges, and plan for improved performance.
“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 categorized as a house. The pillars are the fundamentals that you need for the economy and society to thrive, such as security and rule of law. At the very top is the roof, representing outcomes like food security and other measures of a good standard,” Edun explained.
He stressed that collective efforts and shared commitment are crucial for efficient and effective economic management, which will help realize the President’s agenda. The Minister emphasized that by working together, the agencies can create a conducive environment for economic growth, attract investors, and provide opportunities for Nigerians to thrive.
Mr. Edun also pointed out that the Tinubu administration has stabilized the exchange rate and is working towards lowering interest rates to encourage further investments in the country. “It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to pursue the achievement of our deliverables with diligence and determination by establishing clear targets, timelines, and consequences for non-compliance within our respective agencies and parastatals. We can help create a framework that incentivizes excellence and service delivery, as well as build the needed synergy and partnership to implement the administration’s transformative economic policies,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence that with the capable leadership of the agencies under his ministry, they are well-positioned to deliver on their mandates in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, stated that the engagement would provide a platform for robust discussions on implementing the administration’s transformative policies. These policies aim to improve the nation’s economy, promote job creation, reduce poverty, and create a safe environment to attract investments.
She assured that the Ministry would continue to support the full implementation of the federal government’s policies, programs, and projects.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties in the Ministry, Mr. Okokon Ekenam Udo, advised the agencies to align their efforts with the federal government’s fiscal goals to ensure the realization of its policy objectives. He urged them to use their experience to ensure that the agencies deliver on their mandates according to the administration’s policy thrust.
