TheCable

Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says his administration will achieve double-digit economic growth if elected president in 2023.

According to a statement issued by Tunde Rahman, his media aide, the APC flag-bearer said this at the 7th edition of the Kaduna Economic and Investment summit (KadInvest 7.0), held in the state on Saturday.

Tinubu assured that under his leadership, the Nigerian economy will grow in double digits “within a couple of years”.

In the second quarter, Nigeria’s economy recorded a 3.54 percent growth, from 3.11 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2022.

“I will marshal a team of the most talented of Nigerians – men, women, and youths – no matter their tribe and affiliations, to reset our nation on a path to achieve double-digit economic growth within a couple of years,” Tinubu said.

“We will do this through a coordinated set of policies in key sectors.

“We will champion an efficient government that will eliminate revenue and expense leakages across all federal government areas, leveraging technology, which will be increasingly embedded into government operations.”

On the role of the private sector in the country’s economic development, Tinubu praised President Muhammadu Buhari for giving maximum support to them to flourish.

According to him, laws put in place by the Buhari administration helped to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

Tinubu said if elected, his administration will build on this, making it better for the private sector to excel.

“My desire is that the next administration, under my leadership, will continue to drive forward and accelerate on the progress made thus far, taking bold steps and initiatives to encourage investments in new areas typically considered risky, and leading the way by providing the enabling environment to nurture our innate entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.

“It is essential that our nation continues to champion the rule of law and sanctity of contracts, for these are the prerequisites for creating a business-friendly economic environment.”

The APC presidential candidate further pledged full financial autonomy for the judiciary.

He said while there must be active engagement between all the arms of government for the rule of law to prevail, “it is critical for the judiciary to retain its autonomy and independence”.

“Therefore, under my stewardship, the federal government will build on the efforts of the current administration to review, amend and/or enact the relevant laws that will engender the rule of law,” he said.

“My administration would ensure that the judiciary has true financial and administrative autonomy and strong disciplinary and integrity monitoring mechanisms.”

Further listing his administration’s plans for ensuring security returns to the country, he emphasised the role of a secured nation in economic growth and development.

He said that his administration will prioritise the training and re-training of the country’s security forces.

“We will be committed to introducing cross-sector initiatives that will address the economic and social constraints that prevent people from advancing or opting for crime,” Tinubu said.