By Abdullahi Ohida Mohammed
Nigeria’s President –elect,General Muhammadu Buhari has outlined the major challenges his presidency will tackle as priority issues.
Speaking at the induction of new legislators of the national assembly organized by the National Institute For Legislative Studies in Abuja on Wednesday,Buhari listed insecurity,Niger Delta environmental degredation and corruption as some the major challenges he will surmount.
The president elect said the challenges include : “General insecurity and insurgency that has caused extreme human hardship and destruction of lives, livelihoods that may take us over a decade to rebuild across most of North Eastern Nigeria and some parts of North western Nigeria.
“Devastation and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta area which must be attended to.
“Decline in revenues due to fall in oil prices which poses a threat to Government’s capacity to deliver on reconstruction of devastated areas and the new government development agenda.
“ Endemic corruption which has crippled human and infrastructure development for decades.
“ Unacceptably poor provision of power supply which has had a crippling effect on development of small businesses and indeed the wider economy.Deindustrialization for the past 3 decades leading to closure of many industries and migration of many to other African countries.
“Unacceptably high levels of unemployment and especially Youth Unemployment reaching over 40%.
“High cost of governance that has been crowding out capital and human development.
“Erosion of public social services such as infrastructure, health and education.
“Lack of development in the agricultural and solid mineral sectors.
According to him, “I see these development challenges as the mission of my presidency” . He thereafter called on the lawmakers for their support.
“I need the support of the Members of National Assembly on the battle front. I need your support in many respects.”
