President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to actively participate in governance and economic production, emphasizing the need to transform the nation from a consumer-driven economy to a productive one.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday during the 10th National Labour Summit and Awards organized by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Tinubu stressed that achieving this vision requires collective effort.
“We must all join hands to move Nigeria from a consuming economy to a producing economy,” Tinubu said.
“Every Nigerian needs to be involved in governance and production to ensure our nation’s progress.”
Tinubu acknowledged the role of labor unions and workers in achieving this transformation, highlighting the importance of partnerships between the government, private sector, and labor organizations.
He urged stakeholders to focus on fostering innovation, skill development, and industrial growth.
“Our workforce is the backbone of this nation, and together, we can build a more productive economy that benefits every Nigerian,” he said.
The President’s call comes amid ongoing efforts by his administration to implement economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the naira, reducing dependency on imports, and encouraging local production.
Tinubu has also prioritized infrastructure development and policy adjustments to create an enabling environment for businesses and industries.
The Director-General of MINILS, Comrade Issa Aremu, commended Tinubu’s commitment to labor issues and urged continuous engagement with workers in shaping economic policies.
Aremu highlighted the summit’s theme, which focuses on the role of labor in national development, as crucial in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to see themselves as stakeholders in the country’s future. “Nation-building is not the government’s responsibility alone.
It is a duty for all of us to participate actively and contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear nation,” he said.
The summit brought together labor leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and promoting inclusive growth.
Tinubu’s message underscored the importance of unity and collective responsibility in achieving sustainable development.