President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday, October 24, that the Nigerian economy will soon bounce back despite the difficulties being experienced by Nigerians.
The president spoke while flagging off the two-day Green Economy Summit: ‘Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity’, organised by Niger State Government.
Represented by the minister of state for Agriculture and food security, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, the President gave an insight into the newly approved solid mineral development policy during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.
He said: “To show the government’s commitment to the enthronement of a green economy, just yesterday (Monday) at the Federal Executive Council, a new solid mineral development policy was approved.
“And this policy will definitely align with and benefit the green economy that you have envisioned for Niger State because the policy is emphasizing removing all forms of illegality that are desecrating and destroying our environment.
“It also intends to ensure a new principle of resource-use efficiency while allowing people who want to operate legally to do so in the mining sector. And like His Excellency, the Governor said, Niger State is blessed with a number of mineral elements.
“I want to assure you that the President’s commitment to the enthronement of the green economy over the next couple of years, will find favour with the green economy vision you have for Niger state.”
“The government is fully aware of all the difficulties occasioned by some of the difficult decisions that have to be taken at this point in time. Very soon, we shall begin to reap the benefits of these tough decisions, as our economy will re-bounce back and for us food security which is his number one priority, will also begin to get the full attention it deserves,” Mr. President said.
In his address, Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago said his administration has “produced its first Green Economy Blueprint, a strategic document outlining a visionary roadmap that will shape our development choices and steer our actions, in alignment with the precepts of sustainability.
He stated: “We are using this Summit to present a draft to stakeholders for their review and input, after which it shall be formally launched and applied in the preparation of our appropriation proposals for 2024 and beyond.
“This blueprint is a comprehensive guide that details our vision, objectives, strategies, and actions, designed to transform our state into a beacon of green prosperity that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically robust.
It spans across vital sectors, encompassing renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, inclusivity, and tourism. It lays out a detailed plan for sourcing financial support, technology transfer, capacity building, and fostering strategic partnerships in the realisation of our mission.
“This blueprint, in its entirety, is not just a document; it is a clarion call to collective action. It beckons the active engagement and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and our local communities. Innovative solutions, tailored to our unique context and needs, must be unearthed and harnessed,” he noted.
Speaking further on the blueprint, he said: “We aspire to create a state where its citizens enjoy access to fundamental social amenities and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life. These include top-tier healthcare, access to high-quality and inclusive education, safeguarded lives and property, assured food security, clean drinking water, affordable housing, recreational venues, and opportunities for sports and leisure.
“We envision a state with a sustainable economy, underpinned by substantial agricultural growth, investments in tourism, the utilization of renewable energy, the responsible extraction of solid minerals, fostering innovation, embracing cutting-edge technology, promoting diverse services, establishing free trade zones, cultivating industrial parks, and establishing economic cities as vital hubs for development and employment.
“Furthermore, our vision includes a state boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure, realised through a deliberate urban renewal strategy. This encompasses the development of quality road networks and efficient rail systems, modern urban transportation options, and advanced city surveillance systems.
“This vision aligns with our commitment to establishing a state built on the principles of good governance, characterized by equity, unwavering accountability, a proficient civil service, the maintenance of law and order, a thriving business environment, sound financial governance, optimized internal revenue generation, the application of technology for efficient governance, and inclusive governance and policymaking.”
On his part, former head of state, General Abubakar Abdulsalam applauded Governor Bago for providing quality leadership since he assumed office.
He noted: “Let me go back memory lane during the regime when Governor David Mark was here, I remember coming on a visit to find a policeman in front of my father’s house, he was given a ticket for not planting a tree in his house. I’m glad that Governor Bago is now retracing those steps and he’s trying to see that we annex our green economy in Niger State.
