Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday assured of the Tinubu
administration’s resolve to continue to develop economic policies and
programmes that will drive investments and create more jobs, especially in
agriculture and the digital sectors.
He gave the assurance when the Board and Management of the Nigerian
Economic Summit Group (NESG), led by the Chairman, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, visited
him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to a statement endorsed by the Director of Information in his office,
Mr Olusola Abiola, Shettima said the President is determined to redefine the
meaning and concept of modern leadership, assuring: “We will continue to
develop policies that will drive investment.”
The Vice President explained that the Federal Government will, among other
measures, enhance engagements and partnerships with the private sector,
including the NESG, to achieve its objectives.
“I will suggest that we have a quarterly mini-summit (between the NESG and
NEC) so that we can digest the previous three months, cross-pollinate ideas and
come up with robust solutions to our nation’s challenges. It is absolutely
essential because the world is knowledge driven. Nobody has the monopoly of
ideas that is why we have to constantly engage with you,” he said.
Speaking about harnessing Nigeria’s population for development, the Vice
President noted that “the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria
will make or mar that transition.
The anticipated demographic bulge by 2050 where we are expected to be the
third most populous nation on earth is a major factor.
“Nigeria is a unique nation; we have to make it work. Opportunities abound
everywhere. By 2035, there will be over 65 million global talent deficits. U.S.A.,
Russia and China will have six million talent deficits. We are at a unique position
to take advantage and create jobs in the digital world’’.
“We have the capacity to turn the anticipated demographic bulge into
demographic dividends or they will be the demographic disaster that will
consume all of us.
“So, it is absolutely in our self-enlightened interest to salvage our country.
Agriculture, digital education and energy transition, in terms of infrastructure,
are some of the key areas that we will focus attention on,” the Vice President
added.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Yusuf said the visit was to congratulate the VP and
offer the group’s support for the Tinubu administration especially in strategic
areas of the economy.
“The NESG offers its support and is always willing to assist the new government
in its strategic priorities and initiatives aimed at actualizing the mandate of the
President Bola Tinubu administration,” he said.
He said different sector experts from the NESG will always be available to
provide technical and associated support for the National Economic Council and
other key interventions by the Federal Government.
Also present at the meeting with the VP were the Chief Executive Officer of
NESG, Mr Laoye Jaiyeola; former NESG Chairman, Mr Kyari Bukar; NESG Chief
Operating Officer, Dr Tayo Aduloju, and Lumun Feese, among others.