By Steve Agbota
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is determined to boost economic growth through sound and effective laws, regulations and policies based on transparency and integrity as bedrock of the current government.
Osinbajo who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this last week at the 4th Annual Christopher Kolade Lecture on Business Integrity in Lagos, with the theme, “Does Business Integrity Matter,” which was designed to explain the link between business integrity and economic prosperity.
However, Osinbajo said that there is need for businesses operating in Nigeria to continue to persevere with integrity despite the economic challenges currently facing the nation.
According to him, Nigerians also need to embrace business integrity in a bid to boost productivity and enhance the nation’s economic growth and development across the country. He added: “It cannot be business as usual in our economy if we are truly serious about change and sustainable development. However, change is often difficult; while everyone wants change, few are willing to change themselves.”
“Yet, the choices we make now will, no doubt, determine the kind of future we have as a nation. We can meaningfully build on tested, wholesome values, which will not only address many of today’s challenges but provide future prosperity for generations yet unborn,” he added.
He hinted that Nigeria need to be a truly global player, not just in the oil and gas sector, but also across sectors such as agriculture, services, solid minerals and manufacturing.
Osinbajo noted that Nigeria as a nation must increase productivity and competitiveness, diversify its economy, enhance exports and actively encourage and participate in the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods.
In order to achieve this feat, he said every Nigerian must reject business as usual and embrace the advantages of ethical business going forward.
He explained that one key example of the type of systemic change for corporate organisations in the country to thrive, is the provision of an enabling environment in which they can flourish.
Meanwhile, the event’s honouree who gave the welcome address, Dr. Christopher Kolade, said, “perhaps the important part is what we stand against. Standing against what is evil is just as important as doing well itself.
“One of the things that corruption does is that it does not only foul the atmosphere for those who are doing the right thing, it also weakens those of us who want to do well. Corruption is something we must fight.”
Speaking on the importance of the event, Kolade said the annual lecture was a platform that had served, over the years, to bring together leaders of thought in various segments of the Nigerian economy and government officials to underscore the role of integrity in the business environment and development of the nation.