He said this on Monday in Abuja, while declaring open the 26th Nigerian Economic Summit with the theme: “Building Partnerships for Resilience’’.

The summit was organised jointly by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

Buhari, who was represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, said that the decline in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came after 12 successive quarters of positive growth.

He said the downturn caused by the pandemic included lockdowns, disruption in global supply chains, business failures and rising unemployment.

“We can all recall that during the lockdown, farming did not take place, businesses were closed; schools were closed as were hotels and restaurants.

“Also, airlines stopped flying, while inter-state commerce was disrupted.

“The economy only began to recover when these activities resumed and if we are able to sustain the nearly three percentage point increase from the second quarter decline of minus 6.1 per cent, the performance in the fourth quarter could take us into positive territory,” he said.

Buhari said that it was to mitigate such impact that the Federal Government introduced the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP).

According to him, all the programmes in the ESP are reliant on the private sector playing a key role in creating and conserving jobs and the production and delivery of services in agriculture, housing, solar power and digital technologies.

He added that the speedy pathway out of the current recession was to quicken the implementation of the ESP.

“Of course, an improvement in global economic conditions, including the restoration of global supply chains and resumption of exports and remittances, should enable a V-shaped recovery.

“We expect, in the same spirit of partnership, that the private sector will complement these efforts by making maximum use of the provisions of the ESP and the Finance Bill when it is passed by the National Assembly and also by retaining and creating jobs so as to keep people at work.

“In a similar spirit of partnership, private sector enterprises should also pay their due taxes,” he added.

Speaking on the theme of the summit, he said that partnerships remained essential to attract the resources for building a solid national infrastructural base.

Buhari said that as was evident when the nation was combatting COVID-19, partnerships were essential and also necessary for framing medium and long-term development plans.

He added that the government had always emphasised that the private sector had a key role to play in the efforts to build a more resilient and competitive economy as expressed in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

Buhari said that private companies in design, construction, logistics and finance were very much engaged in the nation’s infrastructural projects in power and rail as well as road and bridges.

“I am pleased to inform in this regard that we are working actively with the CBN, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and state governments under the auspices of the National Economic Council to design and put in place a N15 billion Infraco Fund, which will be independently managed.

“The Infraco Fund will help to close the national infrastructural gap and provide a firm basis for increasing national economic productivity and growth,” he said.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed said that the current recession would be a short one, as government and key stakeholders were proactively working together to put in place sustainable measures to curtail and improve the situation.

She added that in spite of the recession, Nigeria had out-performed many economies in terms of economic growth.

Ahmed said that the Federal Government, in partnership with the NESG had been working together on the national implementation plans as well as the regional and local development plans.

“Since the inception of the NESG 25 years ago, it has become one of the largest annual gatherings dedicated to finding solutions to the challenges facing the Nigerian Economy.

“It has helped to shape government policies, reforms and sector transformations,” she said.

Mr Asue Ighodalo, the Chairman of the NESG said the summit must be different as it must emphasise the execution of endless dialogues.

He said that the summit was about building partnerships as sectors could no longer succeed independently.

“We come to the table each year with clear and defined obstacles in search of solutions. The NESG and the private sector must do more to address policy needs

“Let this 26th summit be the one where we collectively resolve to shun greed, nepotism and corruption.

“It is time that we are brave with facing our realities with strength, sense of purpose, and integrity.

“Our reflections would be incomplete if we did not also examine many more policy recommendations that have not been acted upon over the years and acknowledge those that have been actioned,” he said.

It was reported that the two-day summit ends on Tuesday.

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It was reported that Mr Sunday Aghaeze, the Personal Assistant to the President (Photography), confirmed this via pictorial reports on the meeting.

“The governor presented a report on the extent of the destruction suffered by Lagos State in the aftermath of the ENDSARS protests,” one of the captions of the pictures indicated.

It was reported that the governor, however, declined to take questions from State House Correspondents at the end of the meeting.

It would be recalled that similar report on the aftermath of the ENDSAR protest by the Ministers from the south west zone of the country was presented to the president during the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, submitted the report on behalf of the affected ministers where they urged the Federal Government to support Lagos State to restore damaged facilities.

They particularly appealed for the immediate repair of those facilities related to the maintenance of law and order, and the administration of justice such as police stations, court buildings and forensic laboratory in the state.

Buhari had in Oct. 21 sent members of the Federal Executive Council to their home states, with a view to solicit the support of stakeholders including political, traditional, religious and community leaders against the violence that emanated from EndSARS protests.

The presidential directive was also meant to douse tensions that resulted from the EndSARS protests across the country.

Fashola said: “The other matter in which I briefed council on behalf of ministers from the South-West namely, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, representing Ekiti; Rauf Aregbesola, representing Osun, Sunday Dare, representing Oyo, Olamilekan Adegbite, representing Ogun, Olorunimbe Memora, Lagos and Tayo Alasoadura, representing Ondo, was in regard to how we executed the directive on the Oct. 21 to ministers, for us to visit our states’ governors.

“So, we first met and then met with governors. After meeting with the governors, the position of the governors was that Lagos being the epic center, commercial and strategic city state in the South-West is where we should all go.

“That was what informed our visit to Lagos. So, I just briefed council about the reports that were presented to us by the Lagos State Government when we visited.’’

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The message was conveyed by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Buhari also condoled the people of Achalla community, the Igwe-in-Council of Achalla and the Anambra State government.

Nwokedi was the former chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers and former chairman of Nine Eastern States Council of Traditional Rulers.

He was also Manager, Group Public Affairs of the NNPC and Chief Press Secretary to the then Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo as military head of state from 1976 to 1979.

Buhari said that the Igwe left his footprints on the sands of time and prayed God to rest the soul of the deceased and comfort all those he left behind.

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Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said that Buhari confirmed this at the end of a video conference with Mr Charles Michel, President of the European Council, on Friday in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the president is leading Nigeria’s campaign for Okonjo-Iweala, the country’s former Minister of Finance, to emerge as the first black and first female WTO DG.

The Nigerian leader thanked the Council for its support for Nigeria’s candidate.

“Also discussed during the conference were issues bordering on debt relief for Africa, EU-African relations, recharge of the Lake Chad, which has currently shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size and throwing about 130 million people who depend on the Lake into dire straits,’’ Adesina said.

It was reported that the recharge of the Lake Chad is an issue the Nigerian President had vigorously canvassed at various global fora in recent times.

Buhari expressed appreciation to Michel for anticipated positive developments on the issues.

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In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday, Buhari condoled with families and relatives of the victims.

He prayed that God would grant them succour and spare the country of such tragedy in future.

He also commiserated with the Catholic Church of Awgu, which runs Presentation Nursery and Primary School that the pupils attended, and the Enugu State government.

The president enjoined vehicle owners to ensure roadworthiness, as initial reports attributed the accident to brake failure by the truck involved.

Our correspondent reports that 21 persons, including pupils of the school owned by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu, died following the road crash on Wednesday.

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Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, confirmed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

The Nigerian leader said: “I am deeply pained and saddened to hear of the death of your beloved and respected father.

‘’He was an outstanding leader who cared for all. His life was devoted towards the progress of the Burkinabe nation and its people.

‘’May God give you, the family and the entire country the fortitude to bear the loss.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Nigeria, please accept our heartfelt condolences.

‘’May God repose his soul.”

The deceased was a distinguished Burkinabe, who served as Minister of Finance in the 60s, a board member of the country’s Central Bank and at one-time, the Vice Governor of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

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Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

The presidential aide quoted the president to have, again, commiserated with the traditional ruler on the recent violence that led to the loss of lives and property in Lagos.

”The President recalled his long association and friendship with the Oba and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the peace and development of Lagos state and nation as a whole,” Shehu said.

Our correspondent reports that the recent unrest in Lagos occasioned by the ENDSARS protests had seen hoodlums invading the palace of the Oba of Lagos.

Traditional instruments of office, artefacts and valuables, including the Oba’s shoes, were carted away by the invaders.

Our correspondent, however, gathered that some of the stolen items, including the Oba’s traditional instruments of office, have been recovered from the hoodlums.

It was also reported that all necessary rituals for the return of the traditional ruler to his palace, located at Iga Idugaran, Lagos Island, have been completed.

It is believed that the ancient palace, the official residence of the Oba of Lagos, was originally built in 1670 and has remained a historical monument and a cultural rallying point for Lagosians.

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Aminu Mohammed was reportedly stabbed to death by thieves, who snatch phones from their victims in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

In a message to the veteran broadcaster, released by president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Thursday, Buhari told Ibrahim, who is the Makaman Ringim, that:

“I am pained by the sudden demise of your son.

”My thoughts are with you and the family during this hour of grief.

May Allah give you the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Our correspondent reports that the deceased has been buried according to Islamic rites in Kaduna, on Thursday.

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The party’s National Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus, gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ike Abonyi, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Secondus welcomed what he described as historic emergence of Okonjo-Iweala, the Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, as the first female and African D-G of the WTO.

He commended Buhari for putting aside political sentiment in backing both Okonjo-Iweala and Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), for the exalted international jobs.

He said Okonjo-Iweala’s victory coming shortly after the re- election of Adesina as the AfDB President, gladdened particularly the PDP who he said brought Nigeria’s best heads into government.

The PDP national chairman said that the victory of Okonjo-Iweala in the highly contested global position mirrors the greatness of tomorrow’s Nigeria.

“Okonjo-Iweala’s victory is a reward for hardwork and commitment to excellence as she demonstrated in all positions she held nationally and internationally.

“This savoring news coming at this time that the nation is witnessing her worse is relieving and hope rising that a greater tomorrow awaits this land.”

Secondus also commended the international community particularly the ECOWAS and the African Union, AU, for showing brotherhood when it was highly needed.

He prayed God to grant her daughter all she would need, including wisdom, the intellect and discerning mind to lead the World trade.

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Ourcorrespondent reports that the president performed the event shortly before the commencement of the weekly virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja.

According to Buhari, this year’s occasion reminds Nigerians of the need to guard jealously the unity of the nation which was won at great cost.

The president, who stressed that ‘‘Nigeria’s strength lies in her diversity’’, honoured the memory of the nation’s fallen heroes and veterans, recounting their sacrifices during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and Peace Support Operations around the world.

He also paid tribute to men and women currently engaged in internal security operations, particularly the ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism and banditry in some parts of the country.

He lauded the members of the armed forces for remaining steadfast in the difficult task of restoring peace and security inspite of the coronavirus pandemic.

”We honour the memory of our gallant officers and men who have paid the supreme sacrifice in order to keep the country united as one entity.

”The nation remains grateful for the efforts and sacrifice of the Armed Forces especially in the fight against insurgency and other internal security challenges confronting Nigeria.

”The Armed Forces Remembrance Day or Veterans Day as it is known in some parts of the world is an important event observed in commemoration of the end of the Second World War.

”In Commonwealth member countries, the Remembrance Day is observed on 11th November yearly. However, for us the date was changed to Jan. 15 annually to accommodate the commemoration of the end of the Nigerian Civil War,’’ he said.

On security operations in the North West and North Central zones in the country, Buhari expressed delight at the return of normalcy in some of the areas that previously witnessed security challenges.

”Our dear nation has witnessed numerous security challenges since independence.

”These security threats have undermined Nigeria in the areas of trade, investment and economy, education, health as well as agriculture and frequently denied Nigerians the freedom of movement.

”I am however pleased to state that a lot has been achieved in the Internal Security operations in the North West and North Central zones where in addition to Operations LAFIYA DOLE, HADARIN DAJI, HARBIN KUNAMA, WHIRL STROKE, other operations such as ACCORD, SAHEL SANITY and KATSINA were successfully launched.

”This has led to the return of normalcy in some of the affected areas. However, all hands must be on deck to check attacks on soft targets, ” he said.

The president restated that his administration would continue to forge useful alliances with neighbours and friends in the international community for the total defeat of the security threats affecting the sub-region.

He also promised to ensure timely provision of adequate resources and necessary logistics support for the Armed Forces.

Buhari further pledged that under his watch the Nigeria Armed Forces would operate with the best modern warfare equipment, with welfare issues receiving utmost attention.

The president also reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to creating an environment in which all citizens and foreigners are guaranteed freedom and returns on investments.

He, therefore, urged business enterprises to render discounts and rebates to men and women in uniform as a symbol of appreciation for their sacrifices.

“Our administration will also ensure timely provision of adequate resources and necessary logistics support for the armed forces to operate with best and modern warfare equipment while at the same time addressing the issue of their welfare.

“We are quite aware that it is our responsibility to provide a conducive environment that is devoid of security threats.

“I want to reassure Nigerians that security being one of the pillars of this administration would continue to be on the forefront until peace and security are restored in the country.

“We will create an environment in which Nigerians and foreigners are guaranteed freedom and returns on investments.

“On this note, I ask business enterprises to render discount and rebate to our men and women in uniforms as a symbol of appreciation for their sacrifices. This kind gesture will make life easier for them and deepen their patriotism,’’ he said.

On support for families of members of the Armed Forces who died in active service, Buhari acknowledged that the unfortunate cost of the fight against insurgency and other internal security challenges was the unavoidable loss of lives of some gallant compatriots.

”The reality is that the spouses and defendants of these bread-winners in most cases experience trauma and deprivation.

“However, we can be of support to them to lighten their burdens especially in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

”I therefore call on all to spare a thought for them and take positive steps to come to their aid,” he said.

He commended the charity organisations that engaged in the noble cause of bringing succour to the families of fallen heroes and veterans.

Speaking as the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, the president expressed delighted that the Nigerian legion has continued to be a rallying point of veterans, doing a lot in catering for the welfare of ailing members.

”To ensure that our veterans continue to share the comradeship that existed while in Service and that their welfare is adequately catered for, the Federal Government established the Nigerian Legion as well as fully paid all pension arrears of veterans,” he said.

He urged State Governors, who are patrons of Legions in their respective States, as well as Nigerians, to continue to support and participate in the Legion’s initiatives in the areas of transportation, agriculture and housing development.

The president called on Nigerians and other residents in the country to procure and wear the emblems with pride in order to identify with those who laid down their lives for the peace and security of the county.

”I encourage all to donate generously in support of our veterans and dependents of our fallen heroes,” he said.

President Buhari announced a donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion.

In his address of welcome, the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi called on members of the academia and the media to educate and enlighten Nigerians on the need to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of gallant compatriots in uniform.

He also encouraged Nigerians to procure and wear the emblem to boost the morale of serving personnel.

In his remarks, the Chairman Nigerian Legion, retired Brig.-Gen. Adakole Akpa, thanked the president for his unrelenting support to the ex-servicemen, particularly in ensuring the prompt payment of pensions.

Akpa also recognized the presence and support of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Service Chiefs, to the Nigerian Legion.

”God is with Nigeria. We should sing the Nigerian song as nobody will sing it for us. ”

During the emblem launch ceremony, the Chairman Nigerian Legion decorated President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo with the 2021 AFRD emblem.

NAN reports that the president also administered oath of office to Isa Kwarra, as Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC).

Other Federal Commissioners of the NPC who also took oath of office included: Ibrahim Mohammed, (Bauchi); Ayodeji Ajayi (Ekiti), Joseph Kwai Shazin, (FCT); Garba A. Garba (Jigawa); Bala Almu Banya, (Katsina); Alhaji Razaq Gidado, (Kwara) and Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, (Lagos),.

Ali Silas Agara (Nasarawa); Muhammed Chuso A. Dottijo (Sokoto); Mai Aliyu Mohammad (Yobe) and Muhammadu Muktar Rini (Zamfara) were also sworn in by the president as NPC Commissioners.

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