Angry Buhari ‘Dumps’ Economic Team, Taps Major Economic Giants

POST.NG - President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be fed up with members of his Economic Team, as he has promised to appoint successful local Manufacturers into his cabinet, in order to rally round private sector initiatives, to move the nation’s economy forward.

It could be recalled, that Buhari had previously dismissed private sector suggestions, as he described their views as selfish, and aimed at benefiting few Nigerians.
However, Buhari, ‎while speaking at the 44th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, held at the Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja on Thursday, September 29, confirmed that he would soon appoint Manufacturers into his government.
“This event is timely and the theme, ‘Diversifying the Nigerian Economy: the Role of Government in Manufacturing,’ quite apt, as it is coming at a time when the nation is faced with the urgent need to diversify the economy in the light of dwindling price of crude oil in the global market.
“As you know, the dramatic fall in crude oil, and other commodity prices, has had a serious negative impact on world economies, especially countries like Nigeria, which depended on one commodity for its export earnings.‎
‎”We will rely heavily on your ideas and inputs at all stages of formulation, and implementation of new industrial policies.”
‎”This administration is convinced, that the key to our quest for economic diversification, and therefore survival, lies in Agriculture and the Manufacturing sector.
“A strong ‘Manufacturing Sector’ will create more jobs and wealth for our people.
“It will usher in sustainable economic prosperity, because we will produce what we consume as a nation, and generate foreign exchange, by exporting any surplus.‎
“The Manufacturing Sector, is well positioned to be a major driver of Nigeria’s economic growth, because of our immense natural resources, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians.
“Government is therefore, focused on implementing necessary policies and strategies, aimed at unleashing the full potentials of manufacturing in Nigeria.
‎”For our part, we will remove bottlenecks, and create a more business friendly environment.
“As events unfold in the coming months, many of you will be called upon to play critical roles in the implementation of this administration’s agenda. I implore you to avail us your wealth of experience, so that together we can uplift our nation’s economy, and social well-being,” the President said.