Economic experts on Thursday reeled out new economic roadmap for the Federal Government, as President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to commence his next level administration
The experts rising from a two day Presidential Policy Dialogue Session, reeled out key strategic initiatives to be implemented over the next four years, had reviewed Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits drawing from the path adopted by Ethiopia and Brazil
The key policies initiatives unveiled by President Buhari at the end of the dialogue include the need to urgently stimulate significant investments in the industrialisation of agriculture, as well as policies that will facilitate private sector participation in infrastructure projects.
The experts which included resources persons from government , the private sector, as well as former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, called on the federal government to develop policies and regulatory changes that will unlock growth potentials in the petroleum sector – both upstream and downstream.
The dialogue, moderated by renowned consultants, Klynveld, Peat, Marwick and Goerdeler KPMG, urged governments to improve the ease of doing business by reducing bureaucracy and improving inter agency collaboration;
Others include, Providing incentives for investors especially in agriculture and power sectors; Facilitate construction of mass and affordable housing to propel economic growth and reduce the massive housing deficit, as well as Launch of a consumer credit scheme with the Banking Sector for citizens to have access to long term and affordable mortgages and consumer credit;
They also urged President Buhari to urgently improve security challenges by working in collaboration with the private sector, Fix the power sector by addressing some of the regulatory uncertainties and operational shortcomings of the key players and drive efficiency in public service delivery through realignment of the Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs) and implementation of e-governance solutions.
The President who said the recommendations will be presented to his Cabinet for adoption, added however that “ As we benchmark Nigeria against other countries, we must not lose sight of the laws, regulations, geography, culture, history and many other factors that makes us Nigerian”
“As you are aware, some of my Ministerial nominees are currently undergoing their screening at the National Assembly. God willing, the proposals from this session will be discussed and finalised with them in the coming weeks as they take on their portfolios.
Buhari said although, most of the proposals were targeted at the Federal Government, State Governors must also do their part especially in the areas of education and health care, which are within their constitutional responsibilities.
“Our collective goal is to implement initiatives that will lift our citizens out of poverty through mass employment and social safety nets. This is achievable with the right fundamentals in place. We must all keep in mind that a successful economy is one where prosperity is felt by the majority.”he said
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
