Shettima urges closer FG-Private sector partnership to boost Nigeria’s economy

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

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

Speaking during a meeting with a team from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group ahead of the group’s 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, Shettima 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.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, titled ‘VP Shettima seeks stronger FG-private sector synergy for economic growth.’

Shettima said, “Our nation is pregnant with possibilities. Hope springs eternal from the hearts of men,” while describing the NESG as the “premier economic organisation in the country,” with the power to support Nigeria in realising its full potential.

Emphasising the pivotal role of electricity in driving industrialisation, Shettima noted: “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 led by someone who grew up in your ecosystem and speaks your language of business. We have never had a government that is as business-friendly as this one,” he stated.

He further pledged support for the private sector, describing it as an essential partner for economic growth, and added, “We want to create hope and opportunities for our youths, and the resources are there for us to do it. We will do it.”

Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr 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 see results,” said Fasua.

On her part, the Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, emphasised the need for action, calling on the NESG to “localise global discussions” to ensure post-summit coordination and impactful outcomes.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#30)/Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Omoboyede Olusanya, said the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit is a pivotal platform for discussing regulatory reforms essential for economic competitiveness.

He stated that key events would include a meeting with CEOs from Francophone countries and sessions addressing topics like local pharmaceutical manufacturing and energy sector dynamics, aiming to foster collaboration among stakeholders for sustainable development.

“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, underscoring the need for strategic investments.

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