ENTERPRISE54 – With the Naira falling despite record oil earnings, the economy continues to take the lead in Nigeria’s keenly contested presidential election. Presidential candidate under the All People’s Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) sat down to discuss business and economy matters with professionals under the aegis of the Organized Private Sector in Lagos.

At the meeting that was convened by Governor Fashola of Lagos State, GMB stated that such meetings would be held regularly under his proposed administration in order to improve the ease of doing busness, thereby growing the economy. He went on to outline the economic plans highlighted in the manifesto of his party APC.

The following are highlights of the manifesto.

• Policies will be governed by the highest consideration of how they create jobs.

• Security personnel will be equipped with uniforms, boots and accoutrements – providing enormous opportunities for textile production, garment making and shoe-making.
• A serious commitment to power supply is the minimum in order to quickly galvanise the economy back to productivity.
• The privatization of power utilities must go further into producing, transmitting and distributing power.
• The success of the power sector requires hard work to connect the various parts of the power chain, supply gas, install transformers, and complete substations.
• No less than 200,000 trained personnel will be needed to support the initiative to provide power and light up Nigeria. This will not only birth inherent direct employment, but also reduce the erstwhile high cost of production, and reduce poverty.
• The government will support the initiative to build a local refinery in Lagos, leading to reduced importation, less demand for foreign exchange and strengthening of the Naira, as well as more jobs
• Construction of roads and highways that link Nigerian states will be prioritized, and this will unlock a value chain of opportunities in the building industry for construction companies, builders, engineers, architects, quarry operators, cement and iron rod production and supply.
• The successful opening up of Nigeria by the construction of new roads and highways will revive road transportation, truck manufacture, tire manufacture, engine oil, brake pad production
• A revival of all the inter-state economies that used to thrive across Nigeria, providing support to travelers by way of canteens, restaurants, farm produce, etc.

The amiable General, as his supporters call him, also invited the private sector operators to look over the proposals with his economic team and develop workable policies and implementation options.

“In particular we would like, in consultation with you to explore options of reducing taxes and customs duties without too much disruption to Government finances and private sector business plans,” he stated.

His words should sound like good news to any entrepreneur! Selah!