During the inaugural Public Wealth Management Conference organized by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, outlined the government’s strategy to leverage Nigeria’s vast public assets to generate revenue and stimulate economic growth.
With the theme “Championing Nigeria’s Economic Prosperity,” the conference aimed to address key economic challenges and opportunities. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of revitalizing the economy by raising $10 billion to increase foreign exchange liquidity, stabilize the Naira, and double the country’s GDP.
Identifying government-owned assets worth trillions of Naira as low-hanging fruits, President Tinubu underscored the need for optimal management and consolidation to maximize returns. He highlighted the role of the restructured MOFI as the custodian and active manager of these assets, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and innovative partnerships to boost returns.
The President emphasized that revenue generated from these initiatives would be directed towards critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and housing to alleviate poverty and create jobs, particularly for the youth. He stressed the importance of inclusive and sustainable growth in building a more equitable society.
Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to addressing challenges and implementing reform programs. He announced measures to tackle food inflation, including the release of assorted grains and urged MOFI to develop specific revenue streams for the national budget.
Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, Chairman of the MOFI Board, pledged the organization’s commitment to high-level corporate governance and collaboration with asset operators. He emphasized the importance of professionalism and non-conflict of interest policies.
The conference was attended by notable figures including Governor Bassey Otu, Senator Sani Musa, and Ministers Abubakar Kyari, Abubakar Bagudu, and Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, as well as business mogul Mr. Tony Elumelu, among others.
Quest: Cris-Edesiri Odjomah