”Let’s look at what we’re doing right and what we’re doing
wrong to bring life back to the economy. Like I said, many times, the people of
this country are the only ones we have to please.
”We are very much concerned, from students to mothers and
fathers, farmers, the traders, and realising that everyone of us will have to
fetch water from the same well.
”We’re looking for additional efforts that might help the
downtrodden Nigerians, and we will provide that hope and reassurance that
economic recovery is on its way.
”We are not saying that we have all the answers. But we will
not be blamed for not trying.
”We assure Nigerians that we will do our best to get our
marshal plans in place and fashion out the best economic future for this
country,” he said.
Soludo also said that the meeting allowed for
cross-fertilisation of ideas on the state of the economy and the way forward,
adding that every Nigerian needs to contribute to its growth.
”We have all the potential, and we have all that it takes to
make Nigeria ride through these turbulent times and put the economy back on a
sustainable growth.
”I think there is unity of purpose, determination, a sense
of patriotism, and determination by all to make it happen, and by the special
grace of God, it’s now execution,” he said.
The governor of Ogun said that all governors have resolved
to join hands with the president to provide the necessary intervention to
cushion the effect of the administration’s reforms.
Dapo assured Nigerians that the government at all levels
would not leave them alone in this trying period, adding that better times are
in the making shortly.
”In my state and in other states, we are bringing in rice,
we’re bringing food items, and we’re selling at rates that can be obtained
before the downslide of the naira.”
Dangote, after the meeting, also disclosed that the
committee deliberated on issues concerning the economy, food security,
security, and job creation.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria and Nigerians have the
potential to be great once again, adding that the nation is on the path of
transformation.
Rabiu, who is the Chairman of the BUA Group, said that the
meeting dwelt on issues about the foreign exchange rate and how to bring it
down.
”We discussed how to bring the foreign exchange rate down
because we all know that what is happening with regard to the foreign exchange
is artificial; it is manipulative, and thank God the CBN is doing quite a lot.”
Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, said that the various
discussions and solutions would reshape the country, alleviate poverty, create
employment, and put food on the tables of Nigerians.
Ajayi-Kadir of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria said
that the private sector was looking forward to the implementation of the
decisions taken at the meeting.
”The issues surrounding foreign exchange, insecurity, and
general operating environment were discussed, and we received the assurances of
Mr. President that very soon we are going to start to see some major changes.
”I think in the advisory committee that has been formed, the
private sector will play a very significant role, and Nigerians, going forward
should be hopeful that we are having solutions to our challenges,” he said.
(NAN)
