The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, says the Federal Government is doing everything possible to assist states especially in the face of the nation’s current economic crisis.
Professor Osinbajo who was speaking at a Federal Government and Progressive Governors Forum parley in kebbi State, also noted that the government has introduced transparency to the management of the Federation Account, ensuring that all monies due are remitted.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has always insisted that Federation Account must be transparent, and all books open. I’m sure the governors agree we’ve done our best.
“We’re doing everything to support all States, regardless of party: Budget Support, Paris Club Refunds, clearing debts owed them, etc”
Furthermore, he took a swipe at the previous administration, stating that then they were earning $100/barell and did not pay Paris Club Refunds, or Cash Calls. “This Government, earning 60% less revenue, is doing everything,” he noted.
While addressing other issues surrounding the nation’s economy, he encouraged citizens not to rely solely on revenue from oil saying: “Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but the talents and can-do spirit of its citizens.”
Professor Osinbajo also spoke about poverty alleviation and hinted at the possibility of a future where we truly grow what we eat, and where we are able to add value to our products before export.
He stated some of the progress made in that regard by the government which included the launch of the Anchor Borrowers Programme by President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2015, noting that today, more than 400,000 farmers in Kebbi have benefited from it.
“We’re no longer importing grain to feed displaced people in the Northeast. We’re now buying and using our own grain.
“We’ve ensured our farmers are the major beneficiaries of our School Feeding Programme,” he stated further.
“The future belongs to the progressive tendencies in our polity. Our victory in the 2015 elections was not a fluke.
“Our people understand that the task of clearing decades of debris will take time. But we must also keep faith with them, and deliver,” he stated.
