Why I Signed 3 Executive Orders - AG President Osinbajo

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday signed three executive orders with the objective of significantly improving the ways government business and operations are conducted in the country.
Although it is a novel development in the country, Osinbajo explained that he acted in accordance with the presidential authorities vested in the Executive arm of government.

A statement issued after he signed the executive orders at the State House, Abuja, said the Acting President therein gave specific instructions on a number of policy issues that will affect the following:
*Promotion of transparency and efficiency in the business environment designed to facilitate the ease of doing business in the country,
*Timely submission of annual budgetary estimates by all statutory and non-statutory agencies, including companies owned by the Federal Government and
*Support for local contents in public procurement by the Federal Government. The statement was signed by his spokesman, Laolu Akande.
 Before he appended his signature to the executive orders, Osinbajo chaired an interactive session with relevant government officials, including ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of departments and agencies among others.
 The session, which held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, was meant to directly engage the officials who would be implementing the orders and the new instructions.

Addressing the session, Osinbajo said that the first 60-day target set up by the government for 70 percent effectiveness was achieved and the 30 percent can be achieved through continuous transparency and cooperation of government agencies.

“I agree that a system of rewarding performance, and punishing
malfeasance is key. We must work out  incentive schemes even as we
tighten up  sanctions regimes.

“We hit 70 percent quickly on the 60 days of doing business target
because of the cooperation of all the agencies like ministry of
interior, immigrations, customs etc, and that is why the remaining
30percent we will also achieve and deliver. I will hold myself
accountable to it and I will also hold you accountable.

“Usually we blame the system . But the system is men and women not machines. So we can and must reform it.

He also recalled that President Buhari had emphasised the need for Nigerians to grow and produce what they eat and use, as encapsulated in the Economic Recovery and
Growth Plan.

In his presentation, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, said progress reports would be submitted to the President after 80 days and 60 days, respectively.

According to him, all ministries, departments or agencies of the Federal Government shall grant preference to local manufacturers of goods and service providers in their procurement of goods and services.

Similarly, all Made in Nigeria products shall be given overwhelming preference and at least 40% of the procurement spend on locally manufactured goods and
service providers.

Some priority items include: uniforms and footwear, food and beverages, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, information and communication technology, furniture and fittings and stationery.