In a noteworthy gathering that underscores the burgeoning partnership between Nigeria’s government and its business sector, Tony Elumelu, a towering figure in African entrepreneurship and the chairman of Heirs Holdings, voiced the collective endorsement of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and economic policies. The affirmation came during a significant Iftar meeting in Abuja, which saw key members of the Nigerian business community engage in earnest discussions with the president about the nation’s economic trajectory.
This pivotal interaction, detailed in a communiqué by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s special adviser, marked a moment of solidarity and shared vision for Nigeria’s economic future. Elumelu, representing the voice of the private sector, articulated strong support for President Tinubu’s ambitious plans to rejuvenate the economy. “We appreciate what you are doing. We know the journey will not be smooth, but given the will, we will get to the promised land,” Elumelu stated, encapsulating the sector’s readiness to embark on this challenging yet promising journey alongside the government.
Elumelu’s remarks highlighted a profound belief in President Tinubu’s leadership qualities, particularly his decisive approach and passionate commitment to elevating Nigeria to greater heights. “We admire your decisiveness, and we appreciate what you are doing. You are extremely passionate about taking Nigeria to the promised land,” Elumelu affirmed, signaling the OPS’s full backing of the administration’s efforts to enact substantive economic reforms.
The event also served as a platform for other luminaries in the Nigerian business sphere to voice their perspectives and recommendations. Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, called on his peers to strive towards more affordable pricing for products and services, while Stella Okoli, the pioneering force behind Emzor Pharmaceutical Company, highlighted the critical need for governmental support to bolster the pharmaceutical industry, aiming for self-sufficiency and financial independence in the sector.
President Tinubu, in his response, expressed sincere gratitude for the support and resilience of the business community, recognizing their indispensable role in driving Nigeria’s economic engine. He remarked on the essential nature of the private sector’s flourishing for achieving nationwide growth, prosperity, and development. “If the private sector is not flourishing, there is no growth, no prosperity, no employment or development,” he stated, acknowledging the direct link between private sector health and the nation’s economic well-being.
Reflecting on his efforts to position Nigeria as an attractive investment destination during his 2023 visit to the New York Stock Exchange, President Tinubu shared his vision of a self-reliant Nigeria poised for economic transformation. This vision underscores a broader strategy of engaging with both domestic and international investors to fuel economic growth and development.
The meeting between President Tinubu and Nigeria’s business elites highlights a crucial moment of alignment between government policy and private sector aspirations. It signals a collective commitment to navigating the complexities of economic reform, with the private sector’s innovation and resources complementing governmental initiatives. As Nigeria stands at a critical juncture of its economic development, this collaborative approach between the government and the business community promises to lay the groundwork for a prosperous and sustainable future, driven by shared goals and mutual support.
