HARD TRUTH: Bill Gates knocks Buhari on economic plan, says President hasn’t prioritised people’s needs
One of the world’s most richest men, Bill Gates has criticised the President Buhari-led administration of not prioritising the people’s needs.
Bill Gates was hosted by the Nigerian government in Abuja on Thursday.
He delivered a speech at the special National Economic Council on Investment in Human Capital in Abuja.
There, Gates criticised the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. He said the implementation of the ERGP is at odds with the needs of Nigerians.
It was a harsh truth from the philanthropist and Founder of Microsoft Corporation.
“The Nigerian government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan identifies investing in our people as one of three strategic executives, but the execution priorities don’t fully reflect people’s needs – prioritising physical capital over human capital,” he said.
Gates is of the opinion that Nigeria can only maximise its enormous potential when citizens are well equipped. As such, he expects the government to prioritise human capital development.
He further said: “Nigeria has unmatched economic potentials but what becomes of that potential depends on the choices you make as Nigeria’s leaders. The most important choice you can make is to maximise your greatest resource – the Nigerian people.
“Nigeria will thrive when every Nigerian is able to thrive, If you invest in their health, education and opportunities, the human capital that we are talking about today, then that will lay the foundation for sustained prosperity,” Gates added.
Gates was not done, he condemned the country’s healthcare system.
“Much of Nigeria still looks like a low-income country. Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth,” he said.
The ERGP which was launched by Buhari in 2017, is considered an ambitious roadmap to achieve a seven percent growth rate for the country by 2020.
