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  • Shettima: Tinubu committed to bridging infrastructure gaps, erosion menace in southeast

    Shettima: Tinubu committed to bridging infrastructure gaps, erosion menace in southeast

    …VP hails Southeast governors on unity, good governance

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to closing the infrastructure gap and addressing the erosion problem in the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    During the launch of the 5th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic in Enugu, Shettima also announced grants of N150,000 for outstanding MSMEs in the state.

    He praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his impressive efforts in lifting the people and the state from poverty to economic prosperity.

    The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the positive transformation Enugu has experienced under Mbah’s leadership in a short period.

    “Until the emergence of Governor Peter Mbah, Enugu was a sleepy town that didn’t even have a water supply.

    “So, Your Excellency, we want to thank you. We want to commend you. We want to identify with you. Honestly, I’m quite pleased to be in your midst this afternoon. We’ve had some very fruitful discussions with the honourable speaker”, he said.

    While lamenting that erosion was already affecting the livelihood of Nigerians in the region, Shettima disclosed that the president had concluded plans to have discussions with the national assembly and the governors of the Southeast to come up with a workable solution to permanently deal with the erosion within the region.

    He said: “The problems of the Southeast are problems of infrastructural deficit; problems of erosions that are affecting the very livelihood of our people.

    “We’ve made arrangements with him (speaker). We will sit with the leadership of the national assembly. We’ll sit with the governors of the Southeast and come up with a whole solution to deal with the erosion especially, in the states like Anambra and Abia, and even Enugu is not left out of this scourge of erosion. These are issues that need practical solutions.

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    “In all honesty in terms of governance, we’ve never had it so good on the Southeast like the current dispensation. We have to sustain that brotherhood, that relationship for the good of our people. Through development, through investments in education, we can change the narratives from negativity to positivity.

    “The President told me that I must come to Enugu and assure the good people of Enugu that our government must do whatever we can to support the people of Southeast.

    “Enugu holds a special place in my heart. President Bola Tinubu has a special place in his heart for Enugu State and the Southeast. This led to the passing of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) into law and his quick assent to the bill. And the headquarters of the SEDC is here in Enugu.

    “Energy is a sinequanon for any industrial growth. Without power, we’ll forget about industrialisation. To this effect, Mr. President picked a daughter of Abia State, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria, to champion the course of lighting up the Southeast.

    “Again, the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah is humble and hardworking. Let’s put politics aside, Mbah means well for the people of Enugu State.

    “I was especially enamoured of his security projects. I was pleased by his investment in supplying water to parts of the state capital and most importantly, education is the game changer.

    “Within a generation, we have honoured a celebrated icon and his investment in smart education yielding a bountiful harvest in the coming years. He is one of the very few chief executive officers who are versatile with potential in the IT industry.

    “If I say I was impressed by what I saw In Enugu, it will be an understatement. I was overwhelmed by the giant strides recorded by Governor Mbah and his team. He has embraced modernity. He has embraced digital technology. Most of the things I saw are urban guard technology and state-of-the-art security infrastructure. Beautiful road network. He is doing excellently well and he is worthy to be emulated by other governors across the length and breadth of this Nation.

    “He is humble and a very sellable person. He is doing well and the world needs to know what he is doing. Honestly, I have learnt a lot. I will come back to learn more about smart education. I am obsessed with education and so is the governor.

    “We will see how we can partner because we are now in the phase of development. Politics is over. We have to collate into a single force and face the challenges of underdevelopment in our Nation”.

    Shettima, who reiterated the federal government’s support for MSMEs, noted that the N150,000 grant “is an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has mandated that a grant of N150,000 each be awarded to outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at today’s event.

    “Rest assured that this is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it.”

    He said that, as the very lifeblood of the nation’s economy, the MSMEs sub-sector had remained a top priority of the Tinubu administration, “contributing more to the economy and our GDP. The governor is active with the Office of the Vice President to see that we have given them the desired attention resources and support.

    “Rest assured, in the coming months and years, we will see change in the MSMEs across the length and breadth of Enugu and the nation at large”.

    Governor Mbah, hailed the Vice President for being a champion of MSMEs’ growth in Nigeria, noting that, had only moments earlier, commissioned the Enugu State Fashion and Garment Hub, a facility developed by the Office of the Vice President in partnership with the Enugu State Government through the Enugu SME Centre.

    He said the Expanded National MSME Clinics came as a gift of priceless value to young entrepreneurs in Enugu State and beyond because almost 90 percent of businesses in the country are small-scale.

    “So, MSMEs are the backbone and lifeblood of our economy.

    But as important as MSMEs may be, their success is no chance occurrence.

    They thrive only through careful policies that enhance the ease-of-doing-business climate, comprising key enablers like the sustained provision of infrastructure, security, and efficient legal and regulatory framework, among others.

    “And we simply cannot thank the federal government enough for that. This programme syncs perfectly with our economic vision.

    “The Expanded National MSME Clinics, organized by the Federal Government in collaboration with Enugu State, provide a dynamic platform for MSMEs to access essential support from government agencies and private sector stakeholders”.

  • Shettima returns to Nigeria after successful UNGA in New York

    Shettima returns to Nigeria after successful UNGA in New York

    Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the United States of America (U.S.A).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced this in a statement last night.

    The statement said Shettima presented Nigeria’s National Statement at the General Debate and engaged in several bilateral meetings and sideline events during the event.

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    The Vice President’s visit was deemed a success, with Nigeria securing $600,000 in donations for flood relief and health initiatives from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

    The U.S Chamber of Commerce also committed $320 million to support Nigeria’s economic development.

    Shettima also met with the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres at the global body’s headquarters in New York, where they discussed key issues affecting Nigeria and the global community.

    The Vice President will join President Tinubu to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, participating in various events scheduled for the occasion.

  • Shettima returns to Nigeria after successful UNGA in New York

    Shettima returns to Nigeria after successful UNGA in New York

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja on Sunday, September 29, after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. 

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement. 

    During his trip, Shettima presented Nigeria’s National Statement at the General Debate and engaged in several bilateral meetings and sideline events.

    Shettima’s visit was deemed a success, with Nigeria securing $600,000 in donations for flood relief and health initiatives from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

    Additionally, the US Chamber of Commerce committed $320 million to support Nigeria’s economic development. 

    The Vice President also met with United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, at the UN headquarters in New York, where they discussed key issues affecting Nigeria and the global community.

    Shettima will now join President Tinubu to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, participating in various events scheduled to mark the occasion.

  • Shettima at UNGA

    Shettima at UNGA

    In a white flowing gown topped with his signature ‘K-Cap’, Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York City, the United States, on Tuesday, 24 September, 2024. At that most distinguished forum, he delivered a speech on behalf of the President on the theme “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for everyone everywhere.” The highlights below are excerpted from The Cable newspaper’s full transcript of the speech.

    In the speech, the Vice-President noted as follows: “The theme of this year’s General Assembly leaves us in no doubt that there is still work to be done to bridge the gap between aspirations and the realities confronting our world today. It also underscores the need to remind ourselves that the United Nations stands for inclusiveness – anchored on the tripod of peace, sustainable development and human rights. …  Today, these pillars of our organisation are threatened. They risk being broken by the relentless pursuit of individual national priorities rather than the collective needs of the nations that are assembled here today.”

    Underscoring the point, he noted: “From last year’s summit, and indeed from previous years, we have carried over the numerous challenges of terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, racial discrimination, human rights abuses, food crises, hunger, irregular migration, piracy, global pandemics, hyper-inflation, nuclear proliferation, grinding debt burden, climate change, and a host of other vexations. The continued manifestation of these challenges testifies to our failings rather than to any lofty achievements on our part. Billions of dollars are being committed to the prosecution of wars and the fanning of the embers of conflict…. Yet, we always recoil from bringing out the resources we need to build peace and to deliver life’s necessities to people.”

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    Focussing on Africa, and noting the tendency for some to be attracted to military rule, the Vice-President said: “Our people need employment. They need decent livelihoods. They desire good and affordable education and healthcare for their children and families. They need to live in healthy, safe and secure environments. They need hope and they need opportunity. They desire to live in peace and tranquility, to pursue whatever gives them happiness and contentment. When governments fail to deliver, the people are bound to question the utility of democracy and other ideals, like rule of law.” He further opined: “It is the duty of the international community to bring back confidence in democratic rule and constitutional order, by paying more attention to the needs and aspirations of the people, rather than paying lip service to human rights, sustainable development and peace.”

    Concerning the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, the Vice-President declared: “We note that most developing countries are significantly behind in the achievement of these goals, largely due to a lack of resources … to finance their implementation and the burden of unsustainable external debt.” He then declared that “we must ensure that any reform of the international financial system includes comprehensive debt relief measures… Countries of the global South cannot make meaningful economic progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden.” He also asserts: “It is for this and other reasons that we reiterate the call by countries, especially of the global South, for reform of the international financial architecture and promotion of a rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent multilateral trading system.”

    He remarked further: “We are aware of the debilitating impacts of corruption on global prosperity and national progress. Proceeds of corruption and illicit financial flows constitute a huge chunk of resources needed for sustainable development. The recovery and return of such funds to States of origin is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. … Therefore, the international community must promote practical measures to strengthen international cooperation to recover and return stolen assets and to eradicate safe havens that facilitate illicit flows of funds from developing countries to the developed economies.

    He continued: “Moreso, there is a need to work towards common global standards to regulate crypto-currency trading platforms. This is the most effective way to provide confidence in these new markets and limit the potential for instability. Our own experience in Nigeria, as in other countries, shows that new technologies, when not properly regulated, can facilitate organised crime, violent extremism and human trafficking. In our own case, the trading of crypto-currency helped fuel speculation and undermined macro-economic reforms.

    On the issue of insecurity, he said: “We cannot build durable societies with the threat of terrorism, banditry and insurgency growing in our countries and regions. Indeed, violent extremism remains an existential threat to both national and international peace, security and development. We are making concerted efforts to contain and rollback this threat. The High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting hosted by Nigeria in April 2024 and its outcome – “The Abuja Declaration” – promises to provide solutions to the challenges presented by terrorists and insurgents.”

    He noted further: “[W]e have also witnessed, in rich and poor countries alike, the corrosive impact of unfiltered hate speech and fake news across social media. There is much more that we could and should do, together, to strengthen those guard rails that will help release the most progressive elements of the new technologies shaping our world – and curb those more destructive tendencies. … We are particularly mindful of the imperatives of achieving the advancement of youth and women as a factor in national development, peace and security. Nigeria has developed its own National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, as well as a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, to ensure the participation of both women and youth in the peace and security sector.”

    In addition, he observed: “Climate change is a driver of insecurity, which also poses a veritable challenge to sustainable development. A few weeks ago, large areas of my country were inundated by seasonal flood waters, including one of our largest cities, Maiduguri, in the North-East. Other parts of Nigeria also experienced similar tragedies, occasioning the loss of lives and property. … We need not remind ourselves to remain faithful to the implementation of the commitments that we all gave voluntarily at the various [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] meetings. Failure to do so is merely to postpone the inevitable. No country is immune from the effects of climate change.”

    Moreover, the Vice-President declared: “Conflict prevention is the main reason why the UN exists. … Today, we are all witnesses to the heart-wrenching situation in Gaza and other Palestinian Territories. We cannot discuss war and peace, conflicts and reconciliation or humanitarian imperatives today without reflecting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has been raging since 7th October last year. …  Of course, the conflict predates this period and has been simmering for a better part of half a century. What this tells us is that the international community has failed to live up to the spirit and aspirations of the United Nations to rid the world of inequality, violence and domination of one people by another.”

    More categorically, he stated: “Freedom is an inalienable right and a natural entitlement that cannot be denied to any people. The Palestinian people deserve their independence. They deserve to have a home of their own on territories already recognised by this very Assembly and by international law, which is being routinely ignored. Nigeria continues to urge efforts to bring back on track the ‘two state solution’ that offers the prospect for a new beginning for the region.”

    With regard to reforms, the Vice-President said: “The Security Council should be expanded, in the permanent and non-permanent member categories, to reflect the diversity and plurality of the world. … Africa must be accorded the respect that it deserves in the Security Council. Our Continent deserves a place in the permanent members category of the Security Council, with the same rights and responsibilities as other Permanent Members.”

    Moreover, he remarked: “Migration is a complex and polarising issue that impacts on rich and poor countries alike. Nigeria is a country of origin, transit and destination. We are a major stakeholder in the global migration dynamic, and understand the challenges and benefits it brings. Accordingly, I wish to reiterate our support for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The GCM, which all of us should continue to support, represents our collective efforts at providing major safeguards for the treatment of migrants.”

    The foregoing messages resonate with some of the other speakers at the 79th UNGA. For example, the dignitary who spoke immediately after him, His Royal Highness  Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, said as follows in the speech he delivered on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa: “Nineteen years ago, I had the honour of standing here and addressing this historic hall, where I touched on the pressing challenges confronting our world at the time: poverty, famine, deadly infectious diseases, civil wars, and weapons of mass destruction. These global challenges not only persist but have intensified. We find ourselves in a far more dangerous and unpredictable time due to major tectonic shifts in the global geopolitical order.” In other words, he questioned the utility of the United Nations in its present form.

    The Crown Prince thus noted: “Today, we support the calls for reform of the United Nations to ensure that it reflects current geopolitical realities so that it is equipped to continue carrying out its important global mandate for decades to come.” He continued: “In Gaza, we see Palestinians living through an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, with over 40 thousand people killed, many of them women and children. The protection of innocent life is enshrined in international law and a moral and religious responsibility.  It is clear that what is required is the implementation of an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the adoption of an irrevocable path to the creation of a viable, independent Palestinian state; and it must happen now!”

    In concluding, Vice-President Shettima recalled Nigeria’s joining of the organisation in 1960, and declared: “We remain committed to that ‘desire to remain friendly with all nations and participate actively in the works of the United Nations’, as expressed by our founding Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.” Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was affectionately called “The Golden Voice of Africa”, in admiration of his unforced eloquence. He had an unassuming carriage, and was widely respected for his frugal lifestyle, in spite of his exposure to the vast resources of the nation. As Nigeria continues to seek templates of moral regeneration, it is a fitting tribute that the Prime Minister got honourable mention in the Vice-President’s speech at UNGA 79.

  • Shettima seeks support for disaster relief, regional security in meeting with Guterres

    Shettima seeks support for disaster relief, regional security in meeting with Guterres

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday met with the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, at the UN headquarters in New York, where they discussed pressing issues of regional security, humanitarian relief, and Nigeria’s role in international cooperation.

     Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday met with United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, at the UN headquarters in New York where they discussed issues bordering on pressing issues of regional security, humanitarian relief, and Nigeria’s role in international cooperation.

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    The Vice President who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ongoing 79th Session of the UN General Assembly was welcomed to the UN building by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, with whom he had a brief meeting following his discussion with the UN Secretary-General.

    A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications,

  • Nigeria secures $600,000 for flood relief, health/agric reforms

    Nigeria secures $600,000 for flood relief, health/agric reforms

    Nigeria has secured a $600,000 relief fund and commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support flood relief efforts and reforms in the health and agricultural sectors.

    Specifically, the Foundation pledged the $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State and other health sector initiatives with an additional $5 million grant approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava. 

    The donation was announced when Vice President Kashim Shettima held  a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation led by its head of Global Development Programme, Dr Christopher Elias, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

     Shettima, reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to placing health, nutrition, and agricultural development at the forefront of nation’s national agenda.

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “we are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis”.

    He emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication to integrity and effective leadership in tackling these issues, pointing out that there is an urgency in securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme

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    Promising swift action on import permits for certified seeds, the VP said, “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.

     “We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services,” he added while reiterating the government’s focus and commitment to digital transformation.

    Vice President Shettima further expressed firm belief that “with the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers, “and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” the nation remains confident in its “ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

    For his part,  President of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias, said the Foundation is deeply worried about the severe flooding in Borno, and is “committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.”

    The Foundation also pledged support for Nigeria’s health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio.

    “We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end,” Dr. Elias noted.

    Also, President of Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda, Rodger Voorhies, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme.

    He disclosed that a $5 million grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.

    “Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria,” Voorhees explained.

    He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified maize seed to build a foundation seed system in the country.

  • UNGA 79: VP Shettima, 193 others to address General Assembly

    UNGA 79: VP Shettima, 193 others to address General Assembly

    Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima is among the world leaders slated to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) at the UN headquarters in New York.

    UNGA 79 opened on Sept. 10, while the General Debate opens on Tuesday, Sept. 24, through Sept. Monday, Sept. 28th.

    The schedule for the speakers, released by the office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on Monday stated that 194 speakers would speak at the General Debate.

    According to the office, the number is subject to change.

    The breakdown, however, showed 76 Heads of State, four Vice Presidents, two Crown Princes, 42 Heads of Government, and nine Deputy Prime Ministers.

    Others on the schedule are 54 Ministers: one Vice Minister and four Chairs of Delegation and European Union as well as Holy See.

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    Of these, it noted that there are 19 women speakers, viz, five Heads of State; one Vice President; four Heads of Government and nine female ministers.

    Meanwhile, Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived in New York on Monday to represent Nigeria at the Debate, leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UN General Assembly.

    The vice-president would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in various high-level meetings.

    He was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

    Others were the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; Nigerian diplomats, UN officials and many others.

    (NAN)

  • Shettima arrives New York for 79th UNGA

    Shettima arrives New York for 79th UNGA

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived New York to represent Nigeria at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to global cooperation and diplomacy. 

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha announced this on Monday. 

    Shettima touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where he was received by a high-powered delegation comprising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar; Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; and Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa, among others

    Read Also: Shettima heads to U.S for 79th UNGA session

    As instructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to this year’s UNGA, delivering the country’s national statement and engaging in pivotal high-level meetings. 

    This significant event provides a platform for Nigeria to showcase its stance on pressing global issues and foster international partnerships.

    The 79th UNGA session with the theme: “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will take place from September 24 to 28, 2024.

  • Shettima heads to U.S for 79th UNGA session

    Shettima heads to U.S for 79th UNGA session

    Vice President Kashim Shettima left Abuja yesterday for New York as leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week opted out of the trip to enable him concentrate on pressing state maters. He nominated the Vice President to represent him.

    The Vice President spokesman Stanley Nkwocha in a statement said: “At the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for the United States to attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

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    “President Tinubu directed the Vice President to lead the Nigerian delegation to the high-level global forum, while he focuses on addressing pressing domestic issues, including the recent devastating flood disaster.

    “During the session, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, participate in key meetings on the sidelines of the event, and engage in bilateral meetings.

    “The high-level general debate with the theme: Leaving no one behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations, is scheduled to take place from September 24 to September 28.”

  • Shettima urges regulatory agencies to align with Tinubu’s agenda

    Shettima urges regulatory agencies to align with Tinubu’s agenda

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged regulatory agencies to eliminate overlaps and align their activities with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for economic growth and enhance ease of doing business in Nigeria.

    Shettima said this yesterday during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Regulators’ Forum to build an effective Regulatory Impact Framework (RIA) for Nigeria held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said that President Tinubu’s administration was committed towards streamlining the regulatory environment in the country.

    According to Shettima, the move is crucial in driving the coordination, transparency and global competitiveness required for the nation’s economic transformation, stressing that the administration’s journey towards a regulatory system built on trust, consistency and collaboration was ongoing.

    He said that it was a journey that requires all and sundry to remain committed.

    ” Our duty to the private sector is clear: to listen, process their concerns, and develop solutions that drive growth.

     “In recent months, there have been pockets of complaints regarding certain directives from our regulatory agencies.”

     “I have personally intervened on several occasions to ensure we are not hampered by conflict, but instead move forward with unity and purpose.

     “The success of this forum today does not solely depend on our ability to collaborate, share knowledge, and align our regulatory actions with the broader national agenda,” Shettima said.

    He said President Tinubu has reassured the business community of his commitment to easing any bottlenecks they may encounter.

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     “And each regulator here must adopt the same mindset in their dealings with private enterprises.

     “The work of PEBEC, particularly through initiatives like the Regulatory Reform Accelerator, has been pivotal in reducing the obstacles faced by businesses.

     “Today’s forum offers an unparalleled opportunity to address these issues head-on and chart a new course towards regulatory cohesion.

     “This is not merely an event – it is a defining moment for us to reflect on the duties we owe our nation,” he said.

    Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia outlined PEBEC’s 2024 outlook.

    Hadejia highlighted Nigeria’s business and investment climate reforms through its five strategic pillars, comprising regulatory, judicial and legislative reforms, among others.

    He said deliberations and actions at the forum would be aligned with national economic goals that could make Nigeria a more attractive destination for business and investment.

     “Through your participation and active contributions, this Forum will play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that it enhances our global business competitiveness.”

    The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Alhaji Aminu Maida, thanked the vice-president for bringing all regulators together for the good of the nation.

     “I think this is a very productive meeting and it is a very simple concept for one that will prove extremely effective.

     “Because often we don’t realise how our actions which might seems to be very insignificant send a signal to the outside world.

     “So I think by the conveying of this forum, we as regulators in Nigeria, we are able to sit down and talk to each other rather than being cut unaware and ending up fighting fires which in the long run hampers investment into the country.

     “Which I believe is exactly what President Tinubu wants to do to make Nigeria a destination for investment in the world,” Maida said.

    Also, Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, noted that regulators must act as enablers, evolving to support and nurture the very ecosystem they oversee.

     “Regulators should be assessed based on the health of the businesses under them. If the businesses are dying, the regulator should be concerned.

     “I want us to be the first government in modern history to leave office having reduced the overall burden of regulation rather than increasing it.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)