The Federal Government has promised to harness critical and strategic partnership to navigate the economy towards recovery and resilience.
Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba stated this during the media briefing to announce the 27th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES# 27).
In the media briefing held on Friday, the 15th of October 2021, in Abuja, the Minister explained “This effort also seeks to explore potential opportunities that will accelerate economic development,” he stated.
Prince Agba said that “The summit brings together development partners, the civil society and representatives of the academic as well as provides participants the unique opportunity to deliberate on contemporary economic and social issues.”
The minister also said that the theme of this year’s economic summit was : “SECURING THE FUTURE: THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW.”
The summit, he explained, was to be designed around five sub- themes:- high and sustained growth, quality of life, national security, potential economy and digital transformation.
Agba disclosed that some policies implemented to grow the economy would be directed at job creations, using labor intensive methods in key areas such as agriculture, facility maintenance and housing, while others would be directed at undertaking growth enhancing and job creating infrastructural investment in rail roads, bridges, solar power and communication technology.
He commended members of the press for the support and cooperation towards ensuring that the summit got the much-needed publicity.
The minister also appreciated the efforts of the Joint Planning Committee (JPC) members, urging them not to relent until a successful summit was delivered.
The chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Asue Ighodalo, who was also in attendance said in his opening remarks that the Summit Group was grateful to the Honorable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Minister of State for sustaining a collaborative relationship on behalf of the Federal Government.
The co-chair, Joint Planning Committee, Mrs Ijeoma Taylaur, said the theme was designed to assess the current state of the Nigerian economy, foster a people-centered approach on political and social challenges, galvanize a renewed commitment of stakeholders to urgently and actively prioritize the pursuit of economic growth that could create jobs and lift millions out of poverty.
She said It was also designed to assist agreement on “a compact that compels stakeholders to take critical and immediate actions on effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure that key recommendations are implemented.”
Imaobong Udoh,
for: Director/Information
BNP
