Read Buhari’s speech to govs: Find money to pay your
workers
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT
MUHAMMADU BUHARI, AT THE OCCASION OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC
COUNCIL, HELD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA, ON
MONDAY 29TH JUNE 2015.
Protocol
I am delighted to be here with you
at this occasion on the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) for
this Administration. The National Economic Council was established by the
provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), as
amended, Third Schedule, Part I, Section 153: Sub section (18 & 19). The
NEC, as one of the Federal Executive bodies, has the mandate to advise the
President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular
on measures necessary for the co-ordination of the economic planning and
programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.
2. Your Excellencies, the regular
meetings of the National Economic Council have remained the official economic
platform for dialogue among the thirty six (36) State Governors, the Governor
of Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted members, chaired by the Vice
President, where issues and challenges facing the development of the country,
at national and sub-national levels, are discussed with a view to develop and
harmonize common strategies for addressing them.
FROM LEFT: PERMANENT SECRETARY,
STATE HOUSE, MR NEBOLISA EMORDI;
CBN GOVERNOR, MR GODWIN EMEFIELE; VICE-PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO AND PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, DURING THE INAUGURATION OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON MONDAY (29/6/15).
3. You may recall, that in my
inaugural speech, on May 29, 2015 I stated that the primary objective of this
Administration is to tackle insecurity; youth unemployment, through the revival
of agriculture, solid minerals mining, as well as small and medium size
businesses. I also highlighted pervasive
corruption; fuel and power shortages;
public service reforms; and the need to allow every tier of Government to
exercise its constitutional responsibilities, among others. We are fully
committed to embarking on sustainable visionary initiatives and programmes that
will restructure and transform our national economy. We are also committed to
ensuring collaboration and facilitation of the International efforts to combat
threats of cross-border terrorism, sea piracy, refugees, Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs), financial crimes, cyber crimes, climate change; the spread of
communicable diseases and other challenges of the 21st century.
4. I urge you all to ensure that we
surmount these enormous challenges facing us as a country by working to support
economic policies, which the government will soon unveil to grow our economy
and finance our external promises.
5. I am pleased to note that the
Council meetings have, over the years, been very constructive and productive,
and the key outcomes as well as recommendations translated into Government
policies at the Federal and state levels. This has not only facilitated
national economic planning, but also lead to over- all political harmony. It is
also reassuring to note that steps have been taken in the past to strengthen
the effectiveness of the Council in its role as prime adviser on developments
in the economy. This process must be geared up substantially especially in the
difficult times that we have now found ourselves. The National Planning
Commission must continue to work to arrive at workable consensus on Government
policies among the various tiers of Government, which is a prerequisite for
sustained growth and development.
6. Your Excellencies, it is evident
that the task of ensuring growth, job creation and equity, is quite enormous.
Consequently, we must kick-start this process by cultivating a culture of
prudent management of resources at all levels of Government. This will entail
looking inwards to secure sustainable ways of increasing Internally Generated
Revenue (IGR); and harnessing growth potentials of each State to supplement the
Federation Account allocation to States. The States are also encouraged to
embark on projects that will meet immediate needs of the people taking account
of available resources. I therefore urge Council members to consider, as a
matter of urgency, exploring efficient means of gradually liquidating all
unpaid salaries of staff, which have brought untold hardship to thousands of
families.
CROSS SECTION OF GOVERNORS AT THE
INAUGURATION OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA
ON MONDAY
7. I would like also, as a former
Governor myself to remind us the need for neighbouring states to cooperate
closely on projects such as interstate and feeder roads, soil erosion,
desertification and other developmental programmes. Our country is one and we
who have the responsibility to run it lead by example. As far as is possible
there should be distance between politics and development programmes.
8. On its part the Federal
Government will abide by the provisions of Sections 80 and 162 of the
Constitution and ensure more accountability, transparency and integrity in the
Distribution of the Federation Account. All Revenue Generating Agencies such as
Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria Customs Services (NCS),
Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) amongst others shall comply with
stipulated Financial Regulations and Administrative Instructions in their
remittances into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
9. On Insurgency, the Nigerian Armed
Forces have shown renewed commitment and made steady progress in the fight
against Boko Haram. Nigeria, under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin
Commission and the Republic of Benin is collaborating with the Republics of
Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Benin to consolidate cross-border and international
efforts at eradicating the insurgency. I am also happy to reiterate that
following my invitation to Germany early this month by the G7 Nations who have
shown concern about the Insurgency and promised to intervene to restore the
destroyed infrastructure, schools and hospitals amongst others, I have directed
the front line states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa to articulate realistic
assessments, costs, locations on Local Government by-Local-Government of
affected facilities for submission to the President of the G7 for further
verification. In addition, the requirements of the Military have been prepared
by the Service Chiefs for the consideration of the G7 Nations.
10. Let me reiterate the high
expectations of the NEC as a veritable source of articulating policies and
programmes that are people centred and capable of driving further, the expected
growth and development of the country as well as providing environment required
for progress.
11. Finally, I will like to express
my appreciation to the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN and all Council
members for the honour and priviledge to formally inaugurate the National
Economic Council today and to wish you all a successful tenure. Thank you for
your attention.
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