By Goodluck Ikiebe in Abuja.
Alhaji Abubakar Atiku.
Nigeria’s Former Vice President and a major contender among the Presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, says that his 5-point is built around a well-developed strategy that will revamp the country’s ailing economy and transform the polity.
He stated this in the abridged version of his campaign document, shared with Nairametrics in Abuja by his media team.
Our Correspondent reports that the 5-point agenda detailed how Atiku’s administration, if elected, would over the first four years, invest heavily in the needed infrastructure that would result in growth across several sectors.
The former Vice President said; “Core among our infrastructure projects are; 25,000 MW of non-renewable energy (hydro, solar, nuclear) and other thermal fuels (coal, biofuel) in addition to natural gas; investing in oil refining infrastructure to double refining capacity to 2 million barrels per day by 2027
“Investing in the infrastructure of up to 5000km of modern railway lines; invest to improve transmission capacity of 10,000 to 15,000 MW over the short term with a target of 25,000MW over the long-term.
“I am offering myself again to provide the desired leadership. I have a history of economic reform and political transformation. As a private businessman of many years, I have a deep understanding of our economy and its challenges.”
He said that while he was Vice President, led the economic management team credited for designing the private sector revival strategy and opening up the economy for private sector investments, especially in the IT sector – which is now one of the fastest growing services sector in the Nigerian economy.
He promised that he would be replicating this on a larger scale with a 5-point development agenda.
According to him, the agenda seeks to: Restore Nigeria’s unity through equity; Establish a strong and effective democratic government that guarantees security of life and property; Build a strong, resilient, and prosperous economy; Promote a true federal system which will provide for a strong federal government to guarantee national unity.
The presidential aspirant also promised Nigerians that he would Improve and strengthen the education system to equip its recipients with the education and skills required to be competitive in the new global order.
Atiku noted that even though the APC-led government continued to blame the opposition and other external factors for the woes, ‘it is evident that that there is a leadership vacuum that needs to be filled with competent hands.”
“Today, another opportunity is presenting itself for Nigerians to ensure the emergence of an experienced, courageous, and result-focused leader to find a way through our country’s tough situation and make a positive difference.
” I, therefore, have the pleasure to present to you, once again, my vision for a united, prosperous society in which all citizens are able to realize their full potentials in a secure and decent environment,” he added.
To reform the private sector, the politician pledged to liberalise and deregulate the economy in many sectors, provide efficient infrastructure to reduce production cost, and provide protection to priority enterprises.
He also promised to put in place Policies and Measures to Optimize the Growth Potentials of Real Sectors- including Agriculture, Manufacturing and MSMEs.
Other things detailed in the document include Policies and Measures to Expand the Export Base of the Economy; Increasing the flow of FDI into non-oil sector.
“Optimising the fiscal space to generate more revenue for development; investing in human capital development with an all-inclusive approach that covers out-of-school children and citizens with special needs; revamping the health sector; among others” Atiku said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
