Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Federal Government is poised to launch the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) Programme on May 15, with the aim of generating two million jobs.
Shettima made this disclosure during the second Chronicle Roundtable themed; “Tinubu Administration’s Economic and Social Agenda: How It will Transform Nigeria” in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Shettima outlined the administration’s efforts to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth through initiatives such as the outsource to Nigeria initiative and IDICE.
He emphasized the need for patience and collective sacrifice from all Nigerians as the government works towards achieving significant economic growth and positive changes across various sectors.
Shettima highlighted the administration’s decision to remove the subsidy on petroleum products as a necessary step towards economic stability, describing it as the “biggest elephant in the room” before President Tinubu took charge.
He underscored the importance of addressing economic challenges such as debt servicing and budget deficits to avoid potential crises in the future.
The Vice President commended interventions by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to counteract currency manipulation and stabilize the Naira. He expressed pride in the results achieved through these interventions, emphasizing the importance of local solutions to economic challenges.
Shettima outlined the administration’s eight-point agenda, which focuses on job creation, economic growth, food security, poverty eradication, access to capital, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and inclusive development. He stressed the need for fidelity to these promises through effective policies and programmes.
In his opening remarks, former Finance Minister, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, called for the reconciliation of the Renewed Hope Agenda with medium and long-term plans for the country.
He urged President Tinubu to hold ministers and government officials accountable for delivering results, emphasizing the need for performance-based measures to ensure effective governance.