Following the impact of the coronavirus on the economy in Nigeria, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed yesterday that the Federal government has concluded plan to create a “Payroll support” for private school teachers and artisans in the country. Osinbajo also revealed their administration has already secured some hectares of land in about 11 states of the federation to build thousands of houses of two-bedroom apartments at the cost of N2 million to address the housing deficit in the country.
Mr. Vice President made those remarks during the 60th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association. However, concerning the 2023 General election, the Vice president said he is too busy to think about it for now.
He featured on the “state of the Nation” titled Season with the theme, a stimulating exchange on the state of the nation” moderated by the publisher of ThisDay newspaper, MR Nduka Obiagbena.
Mr. Osinbajo explained the intension of the government was directed towards saving jobs and creating a new one amidst the pandemic situation.
In his statement, “Through the Economic Sustainability Plan, the FG’s focus is to save jobs and create new ones. Similarly, there is a survival fund and payroll support for artisans, private school teachers, and small businesses.
“We are currently compiling the data, the criteria is already set. There are plans also for other sectors including the hospitality and aviation sector.”
While talking about the Federal Government housing plan, Osinbajo added that “These houses are to be built by young engineers, architects, and artisans. We hope to build thousands of two-bedroom apartments for about N2meach.”
The Vice president further disclosed that the Nigerian economy when compared to that of other countries had relatively fared okay during the pandemic.
He said, “Economics like politics is local. In comparison to other economies, we have fared better. We, however, recognize that there is a severe decline. The Economic Sustainability Plan is our response to that and we will focus on local industry, local resources, and local production,”
However when he was asked questions about his political ambition ahead 2023 general election, the Vice President said, there are other problems he needs to face and would not want to divide his attention.