Nigeria’s development is a team effort –Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is pleased that the Nigerian elite has recognized that improving the country is a collective effort. 

Buhari spoke on Sunday at a luncheon honoring the 2022 committee of economic, political, media, and civil society leaders, according to presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina. 

Buhari accused the Nigerian aristocracy of pestering his government in January 2021. 

In another case, he urged the elite to be objective in their critique of his government, claiming that they (the elite) “are not interested in judging the competency” of his administration despite its efforts.  

He also accused the ruling class of making extravagant demands and conspiring with foreign businesses to rob the country. 

The president, who has long been critical of the elite, believes his government would have done better if it had the elite’s backing from the start. 

“I consider this initiative to signify that you all desire to work with this government to achieve that goal,” Buhari stated. 

“Those of you who are politicians must think beyond winning power to how you may use your public positions to affect societal change. There is immense honor in public service for the businessmen and women among you”.  

“How can we use our corporate endowment for the greater welfare of our country?” should always be in the forefront of our minds. 

“I am ecstatic that members of the Nigerian elite have realized that reforming this society is a mission that we must all take on, whether we work in the private or public sector.” Knowing this, we face great problems as a country, but they are not insurmountable if we adopt a fresh strategy. 

“We cannot escape into our ethnic cocoons, nor can we take consolation in our history. We must promote the vision of a Nigeria that every person is pleased to call home. That is the charge you are facing”. 

“As we all know, I have been a harsh critic of Nigeria’s elites, primarily because some of us have not always demonstrated that we can rise above personal gain, political partisanship, ethnic and religious differences when the situation demands that we speak and act as one in the interests of our country.” 

“However, we would have done much better if we had gotten the backing of most of you here today, who understand that while governments come and go, the country must survive and prosper.” 

“There are also those among our elites who believe that profit is the sole incentive for any and all businesses.” 

“However, I am encouraged by the development of a more collaborative social entrepreneurship model for addressing our common concerns.”