Business
‘Grow Private Sector To Create More Jobs’
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), has urged the Federal Government to grow the private sector as a long term solution in creating sustainable jobs for the teeming youths.
ILO Country Director to Nigeria, Mr Denis Zulu, made the call in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja. Zulu, said this was imperative as the private sector would promote entrepreneurship development for the youths.
“Unemployment is a big challenge for Nigeria and many other African countries.
“But I think that, a lot of attention is being paid by the current government in finding strategies and solution to the growing problem of unemployment.
“If you look at the figures provided by the National Bureau of Statistics, you will know that over the last three, four quarters unemployment have being growing.
“This is normally expected as you know, Nigeria is currently in recession,” he said.
He said that, this means that the government alone would not be able to provide the number of jobs required to deal with the unemployment problem in the country.
Zulu said, the Federal Government must grow the private sector as a long term solution to solving the increasing unemployment in the country.
“We have a lot of skilled young Nigerians who do not have jobs and who should be engaged to contribute to the growth of the economy.
“So, we need to give them the skills to run the business of their own, hopefully when the business is grown, they can employ their fellow Nigerians.
“So, it is about equipping them with the right entrepreneurship skills to be able to run businesses and not to be idle.
“Also, we need to move away from training our young people from looking for jobs, we must train them to create jobs. He said that there was a need to encourage the youths to go into agriculture as it offers huge potentials for job creation.
The ILO country director, said that the value addition in agriculture sector was imperative, as it was an opportunity for job creation in the area of production of food crops.
Zulu advised the government to consider these opportunities following the recent ban on importation of fruit juice into the country.
He called on the government to explore the potentials that abounds in the country, such as the production of fruits juice from Benue state.
Zulu commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment partnership with the Job Creation Unit in the Vice President office on job creation initiatives.
He said that the number of initiatives being introduced by the Federal Government would go a long way to ensure that Nigerian youths were gainfully employed.
He said that government must ensure that integrated and comprehensive approaches were adopted for job creation
“That is getting the right skills, promoting the private sector and looking at the demand and supply side of employment creation.
Business
CBN Predicts 4.17% GDP Growth In 2025
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that the 2025 economic indices indicate a positive outlook, with the nation’s GDP expected to accelerate to 4.17 per cent for faster economic growth.
Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, CBN, revealed this on Tuesday during the 11th edition of the National Economic Outlook: Implications for Businesses in 2025.
The hybrid event, convened in Lagos, was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Centre for Financial Studies in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Ltd.
Abdullahi said the nation’s 2025 economic projections remained optimistic with fiscal and monetary reforms already paying off, resulting in the GDP anticipated rise from 3.36 per cent recorded in 2024.
According to him, the growth is anchored on sustained implementation of government reforms, stable crude oil prices, and improvements in domestic oil production.
Abdullahi also stated that stability in the exchange rate would play a crucial role in maintaining the positive trajectory, with the inflation rate projected to decline due to the impact of economic reforms.
“Achieving the targeted inflation rate of 15 per cent in 2025 will require effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside private sector participation for a stable economic environment,” he said.
The keynote speaker said that the apex bank would prioritise price stability and strengthen the financial sector to support SMEs and critical sectors for businesses to thrive.
Abdullahi noted that the nation’s evolving policy landscape presented both challenges and opportunities for businesses to thrive.
“The government is making deliberate strides to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on the volatile oil sector.
“Through ongoing tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency, the government is working to establish a more sustainable fiscal environment.
“While these reforms may present challenges in the short term, they are essential for building a more resilient and diversified economy in the long run.
“As businesses, it is crucial to adapt to these changes, understanding that they will ultimately strengthen the economic foundation for future growth.
“As we move forward on this path of exploration and collaboration, we must remain focused on the vast opportunities before us.
“Nigeria’s abundant resources, coupled with the current administration’s commitment to economic reform, offer a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said 2024 presented both challenges and opportunities.
He noted that the GDP signalled gradual recovery amidst global and domestic pressures.
“As we move into 2025, we are presented with both the opportunity and responsibility to critically examine the economic landscape.
“This forum will help us identify the risks, harness the opportunities, and strategize for the future,” Olarenwaju noted.
He commended the collaboration of experts at the annual event, which included Dr Kabir Katata, Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of the Lagos Business School.
Others were Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, CEO, Lagos Commodities and Fixtures Exchange; Mr Akeem Lawal, Managing Director Interswitch (Pure pay); and Chinwe Uzoho, Regional Managing Director, West and Central Africa Network International.
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