Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, on Monday, inaugurated a 16-member Economic Advisory Council for the state.
Inaugurating the council at the Government House, Jos, Mutfwang said it was saddled with the responsibility of providing advice that would drive the state on the path of economic prosperity.
He said that the council would also review the current economic policies in the state and introduce new ones.
“So, the job of this council is to help us to review our economic policies, regulations and legislations.
“We will see how to reposition them to attract and retain private sector investments in the state.
“Our philosophy of engaging in business is the Public Private Partnership; let the private sector drive our economy.
“They know how to do this better than us, who are civil servants,” he said.
The governor, who said that Plateau had huge economic potentials, hoped that the council would make recommendations on critical sectors that the government should pay attention to.
“We are hoping that this council will be able to study our environment and opportunities and make recommendations on areas of priority that the government should focus on in order to attract investment.
“These recommendations are necessary for the attainment of inclusive economic growth, particularly in areas that will position our citizens to benefit from the enhanced economic activities,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the council, Mr Ibrahim Puri, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in the state.
Puri promised that the committee members would harness their wealth of experience for the greater good of the state.
“We shall be open and sincere because we are not politicians.
“We shall provide short, medium and long term suggestions.
“We want to see our youths employed. So, we will suggest a lot of things you will do in that regard.
“We shall look at the comparative advantage in the Local Government Areas and see how we can harness them for the benefit of the state,” Puri said.