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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has urged the Federal and State Governments to entrench policy continuity, revive local industries, and promote innovation-driven growth as key pillars of Nigeria’s productive transformation.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 4th National Conference of the Forum, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, from October 28 to 29, 2025.
The conference, chaired by HE Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, was declared open by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, who represented the Co-chair, HE Senator Aliyu Wamako, GCON.
With the theme “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self-Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry and Innovation in Policy Implementation,” participants drawn from across the federation deliberated extensively on strategies for national growth, industrial revival, and economic independence.
In its communiqué, signed by Chris Alozie Akomas, National Chairman Muktar Anka,Deputy National Chairman, North and Barr. Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi,Deputy National Chairman, South, the Forum commended the Federal Government for ongoing efforts at economic reform and infrastructural renewal, noting that such policies are vital for enhancing productivity and national self-reliance.
The FFDGN particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Nigeria First policy, describing it as a bold step towards economic independence and local capacity development.
The Forum recommended that all tiers of government should strengthen mechanisms for sustainable economic growth and inclusive prosperity, urging the National Assembly to enact legislation that ensures policy continuity beyond political transitions.
“Leaders must promote a long-term vision of productivity that transcends political cycles, uphold integrity, and build resilient institutions,” the communiqué stated.
The FFDGN identified the revival of local industries and diversification into agro-industrialization, solid minerals, and digital technologies as key to reactivating the economy.
It also called for a redefined industrial policy that prioritizes Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of job creation and economic growth.
The Forum further advocated for stronger university-industry-government collaboration to drive research, innovation, and industrial productivity.
According to the communiqué, the Forum emphasized that sustained infrastructural transformation, especially in roads and reliable power supply, remains essential for productivity.
It urged governments to invest more in education, healthcare, and technical and vocational training, describing them as the “foundation stones of a truly productive economy.”
The Forum called for a comprehensive agricultural renewal strategy, including the reintroduction of extension services, revival of cocoa grinding plants, and textile industry revitalization.
It also urged government to procure and distribute 100 million cocoa seedlings, establish Cocoa Development Units in all states, and train youths in cocoa farming to create jobs and boost foreign exchange earnings.
