President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasised that Nigeria will need collective effort, resilience, and unwavering determination to overcome its current challenges.
The President made this statement at the 17th annual Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Banking and Finance Conference 2024, held on Tuesday.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu assured that his administration is focused on improving the lives of all Nigerians. He expressed confidence that with continued support from the nation’s banking and finance sector, Nigeria would experience accelerated economic growth and development.
He said, “The journey ahead will require determination, resilience, and collective action. However, I am confident that with the continued support from the leadership of the Nigerian banking and finance sector, we will accelerate our economic growth and development.
“We will chart a path that ensures prosperity for all Nigerians and positions our nation as a beacon of stability and opportunity in Africa,” he added.
He praised the banking sector for its key role in the country’s socio-economic progress. “The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has, over the years, demonstrated its unrelenting commitment to addressing the dynamic and evolving landscape of our economy. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that after today’s deliberations, valuable and actionable strategies will evolve to guide and support our efforts to rebuild the nation’s economy.”
President Tinubu further highlighted the banking community’s vital role in driving economic recovery and sustainable development, particularly in a constantly evolving global economy. He welcomed the conference as a platform for the nation’s brightest financial minds to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to the pressing economic issues of the day.
President Tinubu noted that his government has taken decisive steps to reform Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape, with a focus on stabilising inflation, enhancing the foreign exchange market, and improving fiscal management.
He stressed the significance of the conference theme, “Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward,” as it aligns with the country’s current economic realities.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development, which he believes will be key to boosting Nigeria’s economy. He highlighted ongoing investment in critical infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and energy projects, under public-private partnerships to reduce transportation costs and enhance market access.
Tinubu concluded by expressing optimism that the conference would serve as a platform for fruitful discussions, where innovative ideas and knowledge-sharing could pave the way for solutions to the nation’s pressing challenges.