The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, said the cooperation and support of the private sector was required to implement the reforms in his economic masterplan.

Mr Tinubu said this at the APC’s campaign council town hall meeting and dialogue with the business community on Tuesday in Lagos.

He noted that his tenure as governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007 turned the state into a safer and more prosperous place for any legitimate venture, irrespective of religion, region or ethnicity.

“We opened the door for Nigerians to witness the same thing as we work hand in hand with the business community sharing the same goal of prosperity and renewed hope.

“I now stand before you seeking a bigger yet similar job; the similar practical work that improved Lagos is what I want to bring to the nation.

“The task ahead is difficult but doable, and I need you to help this come through,” he said.

The presidential candidate commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, saying that the government performed with patriotism and commitment during trying times.

He, however, stressed the need to go further and faster via his experience in both public and private sector to renew hopes and rebuff the despair of Nigerians.

He added that his team would foster productive excellence in areas such as light manufacturing, the creative industry, with active participation in the digital economy to birth the fourth industrial revolution.

Mr Tinubu said his administration, if allowed to be president, would target a minimum Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of between six to ten per cent.

Mr Tinubu also expressed his determination to provide constant electricity and expand infrastructure from roads to ports, lands, and deep sea ports.

“As for petroleum subsidy, it has to be removed, and my administration would see to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),” he said.

To tackle the country’s security challenges, Mr Tinubu expressed his readiness to fight terrorism via counterterrorism.

The former governor of Lagos said his tenure would push for gender balance through more women inclusion in the composition of his administration and decision-making processes.

Kashim Shettima, the vice-presidential candidate of APC, said the Tinubu/Shetimma administration would, with its comprehensive economic plan, combat insecurity by adopting a proactive intelligence-driven approach.

This, he said, was in recognition that security was a great determinant of private sector investments.

“There would be reforms to drive investments in renewable energy, and we would introduce policies that ensure the transmission and generation of power.

“Adequate investments and consideration would be given to the agriculture, education, and healthcare sectors.

“We would address the inadequate health infrastructure to tackle high mortality, dependence on imported medicines and vaccines,” he said.

(NAN)