As the campaign for the 2019 general elections officially kicks of today, the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has unveiled his policy statement for his election campaign.
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In the policy statement, Atiku Abubakar promised to create three million jobs every year if he is elected as president in the 2019 election.
The policy statement details a seven-year timeline during which Atiku intends to deliver on his campaign promises.
Atiku gave a breakdown of the unemployment rate in the country saying about 16 million Nigerians were unemployed in 2018, nine million more than in 2014.
“Over two million new entrants join the labour force each year meaning the unemployed share of the labour force more than tripled in less than a decade: from 5.1% in 2010 to 18.8% in 2017.
Unemployment for women and young people is at 33%, 70% of unemployed youths are uneducated and unskilled.
Creating jobs and economic opportunities for these people will be vital both for reducing the pool of easy recruits for violent groups and reducing underlying grievances that feed the conflict”.
Atiku said to solve the problem of unemployment, his administration will offer solutions which include;
“Launch a new, more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable national Entrepreneurship Development and Job Creation Programme.
Target the creation of up to three million self and wage-paying employment opportunities in the private sector annually.
Target all categories of youth, including graduates, early school leavers as well as the massive numbers of uneducated youth who are currently not in schools, employment or training.
Create incubation centres, clusters and industrial/commercial hubs to provide a market place for MSMEs and SMPs.
Champion the repositioning and streamlining the activities of the existing Federal and State Government Job Creation Agencies”.
The document also lists other areas it plans to concentrate on like infrastructure development, human capital development and poverty eradication through which he planned to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty, by 2025.
The plan also stated the privatization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as well as four national refineries.
Other areas of focus in terms of infrastructure includes the construction of 5,000 kilometres of roads, and 5,000 kilometres of modern railway.
A statement released on Saturday, by the Atiku Campaign Organisation, had explained that Atiku’s decision to kick-start his presidential campaign with the launch of his policy document was to reiterate his commitment to running an issue-based campaign.
The statement read;
“That is why we want Nigerians to access the policy directly and ultimately take ownership of it,” it said, adding, “Our campaign offers a simple message: United, the people of Nigeria can begin anew, creating a prosperous and secure future and a better life for every Nigerian.
Our policy document focuses on creating jobs, ensuring security, growing business, developing power and water infrastructure, agriculture and education and how we will empower women.
Our policies outline the goals and methods for developing and revitalising Nigeria as the foundation of our campaign. This policy document is being launched to encourage a dialogue with the people of Nigeria, inviting everyone to join us in helping to get Nigeria working again.
The PDP presidential candidate looks forward to conducting vital discussions as he travels across the length and breadth of Nigeria, meeting and talking with stakeholders – farmers, small business people, workers, students, mothers, and children.”