Posted by Amarachi on Fri 13th Dec, 2024 - tori.ng
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said the reported growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2024 was a sign of greater harvest ahead.
The Tinubu-led Federal government has asserted that its difficult decisions which were taken to redirect the course of the economy have begun yielding fruits.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said the reported growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2024 was a sign of greater harvest ahead.
Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday while addressing members of the National Economic Council (NEC) during its 147th meeting in yje Presidential Villa, Abuja.
While commending the efforts of the Council members for their contribution to the growth of the economy, he urged them to brace up for the new year, taking into cognizance the extent to which the programmes, projects, and policies executed this year have influenced the course of the nation’s economy.
According to a statement from his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima emphasized that it was not just the final meeting of the Council for the year but also a session to assess progress made so far in advancing the aspirations of the Nigerian people, and whether the actions and decisions taken have justly prioritized the collective good over individual interests.
“Difficult decisions have been taken to redirect the course of our national economy, and the results are beginning to show. The recent report of a 3.46% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 is a reassuring sign of the harvests ahead. This growth reflects not just numbers, but the collective efforts and sacrifices made by all stakeholders in this room.
“Our agenda today includes a presentation on the current state of the economy by the World Bank. This is a timely discussion as we approach what promises to be our season of harvest. The economic seeds we have sown throughout this year, through reforms and interventions, are beginning to bear fruit,” he said.
The Chairman of NEC emphasized that engagements, dissenting voices and diverse interests that are presented during the Council’s meeting align with democracy.
He assured that no recommendation of the Council would be taken for granted.
“This is a testament to the strength of the democratic traditions upon which this Council is built, traditions upheld and championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A democrat in every sense, he has stood with you, recognized your voices, and ensured that this council remains a centre of collaborative governance.
“As members of the executive branch, we understand that our role is but one part of a larger democratic framework. This system of governance is defined by checks and balances; it ensures that every decision reflects not just the will of a few, but the interests of the many. Yet, I assure you that no recommendation, suggestion, or proposal put forward in this chamber has been taken for granted,” he stated.
Senator Shettima said the World Bank’s Economic Report presented during the Council’s meeting presented a significant opportunity for the country.
“This initiative promises to strengthen our basic education and primary healthcare systems, ensuring that we expand our human capital indices in ways that create lasting impacts.
“Through targeted strategies, we can address long-standing inequalities and position our workforce to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy,” he added.