President Bola Tinubu held an emergency meeting with prominent members of the business community on Sunday.

The meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saw the participation of influential figures such as Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group; Charles Soludo, the current governor of Anambra State; and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, among others.

During the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the need for all stakeholders to critically evaluate the successes and failures in order to revive the economy. He acknowledged the widespread concerns among Nigerians, ranging from students to parents, farmers, and traders, and expressed his commitment to providing hope and reassurance that economic recovery is underway.

President Tinubu stated, “Although we do not claim to have all the answers, we will not be criticized for not making an effort. We assure Nigerians that we will do our utmost to implement our Marshall Plan and shape the best economic future for our country.”

Following the meeting, Aliko Dangote described the discussions as highly productive. The participants delved into pressing issues affecting the nation, including food security, insecurity, and the overall state of the economy. Dangote mentioned the establishment of the economic Presidential Advisory Committee, which would address these concerns comprehensively, focusing on job creation and food security.

Abdulsamad Rabiu highlighted the frank and open nature of the talks, particularly emphasizing the need to address the foreign exchange rate, which has been a persistent challenge in recent months. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria in stabilizing the exchange rate, which has gradually decreased from N1800 to N1600 and N1500. Rabiu stressed the importance of the exchange rate in various aspects of the Nigerian economy, particularly import-dependent sectors.

Tony Elumelu conveyed his optimism and enthusiasm following the meeting. He believed that the decisions made during the discussions would drive economic growth, reduce poverty, generate employment opportunities, and ensure food security for the Nigerian population.

Charles Soludo characterized the meeting as a collaborative effort to tackle national issues. He emphasized the unity of purpose and the shared responsibility of the 225 million Nigerians to work together towards economic recovery. Soludo expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to overcome the current challenges and restore the economy to a sustainable level. He mentioned the formation of a standing committee that would periodically evaluate progress and make recommendations to President Tinubu and the nation as a whole.