We cannot grow today’s seed with yesterday’s belief system — TINUBU stresses need for economic reforms

Saturday, July 20, 2024 -President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underscored the necessity of implementing economic reforms in Nigeria, declaring that the country can no longer depend on outdated belief systems and strategies.

 The president said this during a meeting at the State House in Abuja with a delegation from the oil multinational ENI.

 In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu reaffirmed his dedication to spearheading change and prioritizing reforms, with a long-term vision for Nigeria’s investment strategy.

 He emphasized Africa’s resolve to compete globally, transitioning from a “begging mode” to an “accelerated mode.” 

 The statement in part read; 

“Gone are the days when we feel like the captain in several ships. We have seen conflicting strategies around the world, and we are determined to champion these changes or take ourselves ahead of those changes and make reforms a priority. 

“We cannot grow today’s seed with yesterday’s belief system. We have to continuously be intellectually inquisitive and reform ourselves and our way of doing things. We count on your efforts. 

“And we see the effect of your belief in our partnership, not for exploitation, but for investable development. Africa is not in a begging mode but in an accelerated mode to compete and take its place with the rest of the world.

“I have seen the need for us to continue to be leaders in this reform and create opportunities for attracting investments because the basket is getting bigger, and the participants are getting larger and more resilient. The fossil fuel problem is there; science and technology is taking over. 

“We will still continue to assure you that we are going to be the global investment destination and I will encourage you, as one of the progressive leaders in the industry, on what our reforms have achieved. 

“Please, put a timeline on that investment strategy. It will be a stimulant for the rest of the world when you put a timeline on it. We are open; we are ready. We are working hard on infrastructural development and to make arable land available for planting, and we are ready to partner you in every aspect of that and in innovative research."