President spending more on Nigerians than previous governments - Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has claimed that the administration of

The vice president made this claim while speaking at the inauguration of National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clinics, in Akure, Ondo state, on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

Osinbajo said the federal government has remained undaunted by the challenge of earning significantly less than previous governments to implement plans that cater to Nigerians.

He said, "The whole idea of the social investment scheme of the government is to ensure that people who do not have opportunities are given those opportunities. Nigeria's problems are not many if the money is not stolen.

"This government is earning 60% less than previous federal governments; despite that, we're spending more on the people and investing more on the people."

The vice president further praised the current administration's drive to push the country forward after the corruption-riddled administrations of the past.

He said, "This government wants to be honest with the people. The difference between us and the previous governments is that we are not stealing public fund.

"We are able to achieve this because we are spending what we have for the people. We have spent over N1.3trillion on infrastructure to better the lives of Nigerians.

"They promised Lagos-Kano rail line, they did not do it. We earn less than they did, we are doing it. Look at the Lagos-Ibadan rail line, they had much money, they did not do it, we are doing it. Look at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, we are doing it.

"We shall continue to arrest these who stole the nation's money. They said we have not been able to convict anybody, we are not bothered; we shall continue to arrest and prosecute them. Let the cases remain in court.

"The corrupt is desperately fighting back so that they can come back to into power. God will not make it possible."

VP says small businesses important to GDP

Osinbajo also praised the impact of small businesses on the country's gross domestic product, praising them as an important part of the national economy.

He said, "MSME's have tended to be neglected in the country over the years as a result of the competing priorities as well as the tendency to discount their contribution to the nation's economy.

"As individual units, small businesses may appear to be small, but together, they account for as much as 50% of Nigeria's GDP and over 80% of our labour force.

"Clearly, they are an important part of the national economy and they should be treated as such, moreover, now that it has become inevitable for us to look inwards to become a country that is able to grow what we eat and produce what we consume."

He assured that the federal government is committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for small businesses to thrive in the country.