Buhari tasks NSIA Board on economic diversification

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the new board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices are projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.

Inaugurating the third Board of the NSIA in Abuja, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians.

He noted that the full impact of most of the strategic projects started under his watch will only be felt long after he had left office.

He described the appointment of the 9-man board as a call to duty, action and performance, adding that they were eminently qualified for the job.

“This government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not.

“As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.

“You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.

“Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed.

“The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you,” the President said.

The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth which may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.

He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully.

“This is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.

“The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.

“We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,” he said.

The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.

The new Board members are Farouk Mohammed Gumel (North-West) as Non-Executive Chairman; Sir Babatunde Sobamowo (South-West), Non-Executive Director; Isiekwena Ikemefuna Louis (South-South), Non-Executive Director; Ali Goni Kadugum (North-East), Non-Executive Director; Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman (North-Central), Non-Executive Director; and Ike Chioke (South-East), Non-Executive Director.

In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said from the base position of $1 billion when the Administration assumed office in 2015, NSIA now has around $3.5billion in assets under management.

She explained that the Board will, on behalf of the Nigerian people, guide and oversee the NSIA Management’s activities towards delivering outcomes to transform the fortunes of the country.

“Using the NSIA Act as its guide, the Board will be required to superintend initiatives that meet the current and future needs of Nigerians.

“On our part as government, we will continue to support the Authority with the necessary policies and framework to ensure that the mission of the institution is delivered in a transparent, sustainable and inclusive manner,” she said.