Presidency, FG, experts advocate home-grown solutions to economy
From Fred Itua, Abuja
Special Adviser to the Vice President, Kashim Shettima on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, on Thursday, said Nigeria has all that it takes to overcome all of its current economic challenges given the country’s huge human and natural resources.
He, however, said for Nigeria to unlock its full potentials, the country must develop its own “home grown solutions”, and take advantage of the limitless opportunities that abound in the country to address its needs especially in the short run.
The economic expert made the assertions at a colloquium organised in his honour as he marks his 52nd birthday anniversary in Abuja.
Speaking further, he advised that while Nigeria should step up its fight against corruption, the country must not lose sight of the need to grow its economy, pointing out that this can be better achieved by looking more inwardly instead of relying on foreign interventions.
He said Nigeria can start by ramping up production which will then attract more Foreign investment Investments and ultimately create job opportunities, rake in foreign exchange and strengthen the Naira.
The event had in attendance a crème of other prominent economic experts and policy matters.
Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, D.I Arabi shared similar sentiments with Fasua on the need for government to look inward for answers to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in his inaugural speech set the pace with a clear roadmap towards economic recovery and that with people like Fasua having opportunity to work closely with him, Nigeria will in no time bounce back.
He said: “We are happy he has a place in this government. As he said it we cannot get outsiders to do it for us it has to be a home grown solution to the problem that we are facing and we have a president that is giving people the space to address the challenges and problems facing this country.
“If you look at his inaugural speech he spoke about value addition improvement in foreign exchange earnings
Most especially that message of saying use what we product produce what we eat that will reduce our demand for foreign dependency on import and we look inwards to solving our problem.”
In his goodwill message, former Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside said the major ingredient needed to jumpstart the Nigerian economy is quality leadership which he said is embodied in the current administration.
Five books authored by Fasua were also presented at the intellectual discourse with many of them providing answers to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
