Nigeria Pregnant With Possibilities, Shettima Tells NESG

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the private sector to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and industrialisation.

Speaking with a team from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) ahead of the group’s 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, the Vice President noted that the government’s pro-business policies and focus on improving key infrastructure, such as power, are designed to create an environment where businesses can thrive.

He said the private sector is critical in driving the industrialisation and job creation agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Our nation is pregnant with possibilities. Hope springs eternal from the hearts of men,” said Shettima.

He described the NESG as the “premier economic organisation in the country,” that holds the power to support the attainment of Nigeria’s potential.

Speaking further, the VP noted the role of electricity in driving industrialisation: “Without power, there can be no industrialisation. I believe that if we get our acts right, Nigeria will influence development in Africa.”

According to the Vice President, the current administration is uniquely attuned to the needs of businesses.

“This government is headed by someone who grew up in your ecosystem and speaks your language of business. We have never gotten a government that is as business-friendly as this one,” declared Shettima.
He also pledged support for the private sector, calling it an essential partnership for economic growth, adding that “we want to create hope and opportunities for our youths, and the resources are there for us to do it. We will do it.”

During the meeting, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua, urged the NESG to turn discussions into tangible results.

“We cannot have economic development without growth. We are hoping that the NESG can take this forward. Let’s begin to have results,” said Fasua.

On her part, Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, called for action toward localizing global discussions to ensure post-summit coordination and impactful outcomes.

The Vice Chairman of the NESG, Omoboyede Olusanya, said the forthcoming summit will serve as a pivotal platform for discussing regulatory reforms essential for economic competitiveness.

Olusanya, who doubles as the summit’s central planning committee chairman, said the event will feature a meeting with CEOs from Francophone countries and sessions on local pharmaceutical manufacturing and energy sector dynamics.

“Our goal is to create actionable frameworks that address Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges,” he said.

Olusanya noted that, in addition to these discussions, the summit will feature design workshops aimed at addressing critical issues such as food security, digital inclusion, and healthcare access.

There will also be high-level panels addressing fiscal reforms and infrastructure development.

“We must leverage these discussions to build a more resilient economy,” Olusanya added.