The All Progressive Congress, APC, Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu has promised to consolidate on the recent investments in Security agencies and successes being recorded so far.
He stated at an interaction with Arewa Joint Committee held at the Arewa House, Kaduna
Tinubu said; “security is a function of resources, hence, his commitment to mobilize all assets within the national power to secure Nigeria.
“We did this in Lagos through many initiatives, especially the Security Trust Fund, through which we addressed many needs of our security forces which helped to sanitise Lagos State. As you may recall, when I assumed office as governor in 1999, the situation I met was basically a case of banditry where urban gangs ruled the streets. I returned law and order, tamed what could have been a huge ethnic war and made Lagos one of the safest states in Nigeria. I will replicate that across the country.”
He said that his administration would address the welfare and training needs of security personnel and as well as strengthen all security institutions with modern technology and equipment to better position them to respond to modern challenges that is faced in a fast-changing world.
The APC Presidential Flag-bearer said;
“We will deal decisively with all elements threatening our peace, security and unity. I guarantee you we will end kidnapping and banditry not only through increasing our policing footprint and capacity but also through other soft approaches that would promote inclusion and boost the economy of our local communities.”
Economic Plan
The Presidential candidate said that “Nigeria is sitting on a gold mine with abundant natural resources, saying, with strategic investment in research and development and effective management, they will explore and exploit these resources to the fullest.
“There is no local government in Nigeria that has no resource or endowment that can be harnessed for greater economic development. Our major economic challenges are underinvestment and effective management, and these are what I am bringing to the table.”
The former Governor of Lagos vowed to utilise the vast natural resources available through strategic investment in infrastructure which woud lead to the diversification of the economy and wealth creation across the entire country.
He said; “We will pay attention to modern economic drivers such as the digital economy, creative industries, sports and entertainment sectors for the benefit of our young people. The APC Nigerian Government has taken several measures to build infrastructure and improve the ease of doing business across the country. This has been complemented by the efforts of some of our states to attract investments in diverse sectors of the economy.
“Under my leadership, I will make the Nigerian government to be business-friendly. We shall support private businesses in our country and attract foreign direct investment to create jobs, re-industrialise our country and accelerate economic development. Nigerian businesses in sectors like banking and cement have successfully venture out of the country to build thriving subsidiaries.”
Power Sector
Tinubu vowed to prioritise the strengthening of the existing power reforms as a catalyst to sustainable industrialisation.
He said; “Aside the ongoing power intervention from the Nigerian government, I know that the 19 Northern States and the FCT have incorporated a special purpose vehicle to build 100MW of Solar project per state to complement other power generation systems across the country. These are the kind of initiatives I will encourage and support to revamp industrialisation.
“We will accelerate the completion of the Mambilla hydro power project, explore and construct other sources of power in line with global best practices.”
The Presidential candidate promised to support any willing state to develop and generate its own power as demonstrated in pioneering development of independent power projects in Lagos State.
Industrialisation
He said;”Adding value is my forte!
Using my experience of building human capital, industries, and institutions which has led to Lagos being one of the largest economies on the continent, I will reposition our existing industries and make them a competitive source of industrialization and growth not just for the North but the entire country. It is time to fetch water from a dry well and I, Bola Tinubu, have done it before and I will do it. We will find a way where there are no roads.”
He spoke on ensuring the use of available resources to convert cotton to textile, plants to pharmaceutical products, groundnut to edible oil, cassava to ethanol and starch, thereby building competitive advantage for farmers through value addition.
He said; “I will attract investments and create the enabling environment that will ensure the resurgence of our moribund industries and continue the infrastructural revolution of this administration on the railways and highways all over the country and invest in our inland waterways for safer and efficient transportation to complement this industrialisation vision.”
Agriculture and Food Security
Tinubu said his experience in the last seven years has shown the potentials of agriculture in solving the problem of unemployment and boosting our GDP, stressing that, recent investment in the rice value chain has led to the springing up of rice mills across the country with attendant wealth creation and a reduction in import bill.
He said; “The North has greater advantage in this regard due to its large and abundant arable land. My vision is for the region to be the hub of agribusiness in sub-Saharan Africa. We will improve investment in our livestock value chain. Specifically, subsectors like the dairy industry that has the potential of adding billions of dollars into our economy will receive significant attention.”
“In collaboration with the private sector and governments at sub-national levels, we will make available high yield seeds and inputs, invest heavily in post-harvest storage and processing facilities so that we can significantly increase the value of what we produce. To ensure optimizing the full value of their produce, we will utilize Commodity Exchanges to guarantee return on investments, and enhanced wealth for the farmers.
“The North has greater advantage in this regard due to its large and abundant arable land. My vision is for the region to be the hub of agribusiness in sub-Saharan Africa. We will improve investment in our livestock value chain. Specifically, subsectors like the dairy industry that has the potential of adding billions of dollars into our economy will receive significant attention.” Tinubu said.
He said his administration would make available funds for research and development to provide the right inputs that will ensure greater yields, and tackle climatic challenges bedeviling farmers such as flooding and desertification through enhancement of national drainage architecture and investment in shelter belts.
Education
“Education is the most effective weapon against poverty. Comparative with other countries, education in Nigeria suffers from funding deficit on account of our population and limited resources. I will provide the required leadership and mobilise investment for the development of the sector. We will work with both states and local governments to reform and retool the system. These reforms will give special attention to the welfare and training of our teachers and lecturers as necessary catalyst for the better system we desire,” Tinubu said.
He said; “My administration will review our curriculum at all levels to ensure our students are conversant with global trends in different fields and sectors where they will be able to contribute productively to our economy. We will work with stakeholders to evolve creative solutions to the funding needs of our higher education that will bring terminal end to challenges of funding and the attendant perennial industrial actions.”
Tinubu concluded by seeking the support of the entire country because, according to him, he is the best for the job, and there is nobody who doesn’t like the best.
He said; “I am sure you all like the best, for you and for our country. As for the North, I believe you have no better friend in the race like me. I am not like those who only remember they are from here when it is time to ask for your votes. I have proven to be a good manager of our diversity.
“Permit me to reiterate that I have the competence, knowledge, and experience to provide good leadership to this country and run it very well. I am not an island. However, I have demonstrated the capacity to attract and work with the best hands to build enduring legacies. While humbly soliciting your support, I assure you, I will be with your shoulder to shoulder on this journey.”