The Federal Government says it is working out a palliative package to assist the manufacturing subsector navigate through difficulty accessing foreign exchange for importation of critical components of their production.
President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, stated this on Monday, in Lagos, at the handing over of vehicles and other security equipment worth N1.85 billion, donated by the Lagos State Government to the police and other security agencies in Lagos, at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
Osinbajo had earlier in the day commissioned the reconstructed Ago Palace Way, in Okota area of Lagos, as well as the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) response unit at Oshodi, on behalf of President Buhari who, Sunday evening, cancelled his planned two-day working visit to the state.
In the entourage of the V.P was Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi State; Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, housing and works; Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, among others.
The Vice President said the Federal Government was not unmindful of the challenges associated with accessing forex by the business community and was working to ameliorate the pains.
“At the moment, there is the challenge of being able to access foreign exchange. We are working on a package of palliative to encourage industry and manufacturing.”
He also stated that the government was focusing on agriculture and had set a target of 2018 for Nigeria to be self-sufficient in rice production.
“Agriculture remains the centre piece of our economic diversification effort. We have set as a target for 2018 to be self sufficient in rice production of wheat production and tomatoes paste,” the Vice President said.
The governor of Kebbi State recently signed an MOU with Lagos State government as part of agricultural transformation taking place.
Admitting the pains Nigerians are experiencing, he said the Federal Government had set aside N500 billion for social investment plan as part of measures to tackle the myriad of economic problems as well as provide palliative to the citizenry.
He said the investment plan would address the challenges of unemployment, industries, manufacturing, and agriculture, among others.
According to him, there are plans to create 500,000 job opportunities for graduates with another 370,000 for non-graduates. Besides, there is provision of micro loan facilities for market women, using associations in the 2016 budget.
On the physical absence of the President, Osinbajo assured that Buhari would personally visit Lagos immediately after the Ramadan, “The President holds Lagosians in high esteem,” adding that the Federal Government will continue to support Lagos in every possible way.
“Lagos State is the economic centre of the country and for 16 years was in opposition party, but today, Lagos State and the party at the centre are one, and the same Lagos must benefit even more. Now that Lagos State is in the same party at the centre, I must say that we are fully aware of all that Nigerians have to go through, but these difficulties are sign of great future,” he said.
The focus of Federal government budget is on infrastructure and part of that infrastructure is the rail route.
So there is incredible opportunity for Lagos with the development of the rail routes, both the one going to the north and the coast going to Calabar. Also the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is an important project which we will be focusing on in this budget circle.”
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on his part said the government had resolved to prioritise security of lives and property.
“The security and welfare of Lagosians is a responsibility I do not take lightly and one that this administration is dedicating considerable resources to- fulfilling through all our initiatives over the past 12 months,” Ambode said. He added that the LASEMA facility, first of its kind in Nigeria, has been established to respond to all kinds of emergencies.
“Although, it is imperative to state that the intent is to prevent emergencies and mishaps, we may not be able to completely eliminate them. As a result we must be ready to swing into action and save lives and property whenever these unfortunate events occur,” Ambode said.
The governor disclosed that to further enhance security in Lagos, the government would be deploying GPS technology and CCTV cameras to track emergency incidences and aid responders.
He added the vehicles and equipment would be distributed among the 107 police stations and thirteen police area commands in Lagos State.
Other beneficiaries include the Nigeria Customs, Immigration Services, the Army, Airforce, Navy, DSS, AIG Zone 2, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, LASTMA, NDLEA, Lagos State Task Force and the Nigeria Prison Services.
“These items are critical facilities required to address security and emergency challenges peculiar to modern city states like ours. It is our expectation that all these efforts, in addition to the “light-up Lagos” initiative and the smart-city project, will guarantee a safer and more secure environment for business and leisure. We want all Lagosians, visitors and investors to feel safe at all times; at work, rest or play. Above all, we want you to know that Lagos cares,” Ambode said.
JOSHUA BASSEY
