The lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district, Ali Ndume, has called for the sack of more slacking ministers.
In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, the lawmaker further applauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet restructuring, particularly the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development to oversee all regional commissions.
He said, “More needs to be done as some ministers are still ‘missing in action.”
Ndume praised Tinubu’s cost-cutting measures in light of economic challenges and encouraged other government arms to do the same.
He added, “We saw President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle last week, which was a masterstroke. I’m particularly pleased about establishing the Ministry of Regional Development to oversee regional commissions. The President’s decision to streamline ministries also exemplifies his commitment to reducing the cost of governance.”
He further praised the recent de-dollarisation policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as “right steps in the right direction.”
Ndume praised the policy, asserting that it would strengthen the naira and enhance trade with nations not reliant on the U.S. dollar.
He encouraged Tinubu to pursue the policy further by positioning Nigeria to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
De-dollarisation is the process by which countries explore alternative methods for international trade and financial transactions to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar as the primary global reserve currency.
Ndume noted that the move would benefit Nigerian businesses, especially those importing from China, by reducing reliance on the dollar and easing pressure on the naira.
“That policy announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration must be commended. If fully implemented, it will drastically reduce the pressure on the naira, enabling international traders importing goods from countries like China to rely less on the dollar,” Ndume emphasized.
He noted, “This policy will also significantly strengthen the naira, benefiting the country in numerous ways.”
The senator also urged Tinubu to convene a National Economic Conference led by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the National Economic Adviser, and notable Nigerian economists to devise local solutions for the Federal Government.
Ndume listed Okonjo Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, Mansur Muktar, Akinwumi Adesina, Aruma Oteh, and Tope Fasua among the experts who could drive the summit.
“This economic summit should be spearheaded by these eminent Nigerians, who can offer recommendations independent of the IMF and World Bank’s often stringent policies.
“I believe that with sound recommendations, President Tinubu will implement them, which would greatly benefit the country,” Ndume said.
Ndume, who previously called on Tinubu to engage military contractors against Boko Haram in Borno, also commended the President for strengthening the Air Force by procuring new military planes and helicopters.
He said these would provide air support for ground troops fighting insurgents and other terrorists across the country.
He noted, “I commend the President for approving military plane purchases to support the ongoing fight against insurgents. I urge us to acquire more attack helicopters for this battle.”
Ndume added that more troops should be recruited, trained, equipped, and motivated across the Armed Forces and other security agencies.”