President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said Nigerian professionals should consider supporting his administration in every way they could rather than churning out criticisms.

Mr. Buhari said he was convinced that Nigerians have good initiatives that could help his administration perform its functions better.

The appeal came when Mr. Buhari addressed members of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) at their 2016 Annual National Management Conference which is underway in Abuja.

“I want to use this opportunity to urge other professional bodies, corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians to emulate the kind gesture of NIM by lending their support to this administration instead of seating by to criticise every attempt at governance,” Mr. Buhari said. “It is by synergising with government that we can all build the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Mr. Buhari was represented by the Head of Service of the Federation Winifred Oyo-Ita.

He spoke on the theme – Building a New Nigeria: Strategic Options and Policy Imperative – during which he challenged members of NIM to focus their attention on the activities of the legislature.

“I further challenge the Institute to improve its visibility at public sessions of the National Assembly when Bills are being considered so as to make more robust professional management input that will be most relevant in the public domain.

“To set this country on the path of greatness and prosperity, complete elimination of all forms of corrupt practices must be in the front burner and our collective consciousness always.

“You will agree with me that great nation is the reward of great leadership built on good governance. This is our motivation and value proposition. My administration will, therefore, continue to fight corruption and associated social vices at all levels until they are exterminated from our body polity,” Mr. Buhari said.

Mr. Buhari said he had confidence in the ability of the NIM members to channel the outcome of their event for the betterment of his administration.

“With your antecedents, I am convinced that the outcome of this conference will be used to further support the good initiatives of the federal government.”

The NIM event this year holds between September 18 and 20.