| Osinbajo |
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo used the platform of ‘The Nation’s First National Economic Forum
in Lagos to make what many described as so far the most far-reaching
explanation of the government’s plan.
This year’s budget, according to Osinbajo, will “stimulate
the economy rather than impose undue austerity on the citizens” – contrary to
the fear of many.
“It is pathetic that a nation with over 170 million people
benchmarked its budget on the price of oil. We must look beyond oil because it
disturbs us from looking at other sectors. In order to move the country
forward, we must reduce the Federal Government’s and states’ dependence on
sharing revenue made from oil sales,” Osinbajo said to the applause of a huge
audience of senior government officials, politicians, media chiefs and ordinary
folks.
He said the government was aware of the overwhelming
challenges confronting Nigerians, assuring all that the ongoing reforms in
various sectors point to the fact that the situation will soon be a change.