Nigeria is targeting annual economic growth of no less than seven per cent, Vice President Kashim Shettima said on Wednesday.
He said the anticipated growth would be anchored on macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and transportation.
Shettima expressed the optimism during his bilateral engagements with the Namibian delegation on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
He also called for a stronger relation between Nigeria and Namibia.
Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the global event, said Nigeria’s growth ambitions were backed by reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima welcomed President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitbia’s visit to President Tinubu in Nigeria.
The Namibian leader, who assumed the presidency on March 21, praised Nigerian diplomats for their invaluable contributions to her government and country in so many ways.
She acknowledged Nigeria’s leadershiprole in Africa, saying: “All the Nigerian diplomats were basically Namiians, helping in so many ways.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah said she found it appropriate to leverage the UNGA opportunity to meet with Vice President Shettima, adding: “I will still find time to come physically and introduce myself to the President.”
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Namibia.
He said: “We are all Africans, and the Nigeria–Namibia relationship should be taken to the next level, beyond where it is now.”
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
He thanked the Foundation for its support in healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion, while calling for expanded investment in Nigeria.
He said: “In the Gates Foundation, we have a partner that we trust and believe in. If all high-net-worth individuals made even half the investment Bill Gates has made, the world would be a better place. Kindly convey the highest regards of my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Mr Gates.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s growth ambitions, the Vice President said: “Our target over the next few years is to achieve annual growth rates of no less than seven per cent, anchored on macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education.”
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, also appealed for greater Gates Foundation support in education, especially in the areas of technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
He said: “What I want to put on the table to the Gates Foundation is increased investment in education. I have met with your representatives in Africa, and they indicated that the initial focus over the years had been on child nutrition but not education.
“Now I think there is more focus on education, so I am seeking enhanced support in that area to bolster our foundational education. We don’t have adequate support at all.”
Suzman pledged enhanced investment in human capital development, education, and health, noting the foundation’s significant progress in digital identity and digital financial inclusion in Nigeria.
He commended the strong commitment of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, saying: “Nigeria is really one of our strongest partners on the African continent, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you about where and how we might be more helpful while assuring you of our continued support.”
“We just signed new grants with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support related initiatives, and we are very encouraged by your broader efforts.”
At the session were other Gates Foundation officials – Mr Rodger Voorhies, President, Global Growth and Opportunity Division; Mr Uche Amaonwu, Country Director, Nigeria Office; and Dr Paulin Basinga, Director for Africa.
