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By Chukwudi Nweje
Former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Abba-Gana has said that the Nigerian economy is currently in a neo-liberal blackhole and cautioned that the nation rather needs the ‘mixed Economy Economic model’ to get out of it. The elder statesman made the remarks in an address he presented as chairman of the investiture of Engr Kamselem A. Abubakar as the 20th President of the Association for the Consulting Engineering In Nigeria(ACEN). The occasion which held on February 29, 2024 at the International Conference Centre, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
Abba-Gana’s position on the economy
“The Nigerian economy is now in a neo-liberal blackhole. We need the Mixed Economy Economic model led by the government to provide massive economic and industrial, infrastructural and agricultural revival to get us out of this dangerous neo-liberal black hole. No country in the world has privatised all the commanding heights of their economy as Nigeria has unwisely done. South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco all refused. We can save our country and its economy only if we prioritise on our National Interest and Security as other countries do.
“With dwindling external reserve and declining/unstable crude oil prices and the dollar exchanging for almost N2000, we must protect the services sector of our economy. Because it is rather reckless and unpatriotic to engage Consultants from abroad and pay them in dollars, when Nigerian Consultants that can equally undertake the projects are paid in Naira. For the good of our economy, at least up to 90 percent of consultancy services should go to indigenous consultants.
They say, you strike the iron when it is hot, then you can bend it and shape it. The structure of our economy is unfortunately increasing poverty, inequality and unemployment. This is resulting in a situation where some few privileged citizens owned 99 percent wealth of the nation. This is why we have the growth-poverty dichotomy. The GDP is increasing but more and more people are becoming poorer and unemployed.
His views on Market Forces
A word or two about market forces. We know that market forces are not visible or tangible. We also know market forces are not accountable to anything or anybody. They also do not contest election. Why then do we have to subject the security and welfare of more than 200 million Nigerians to market forces alone. All over the world, governments act in the interest of National Security and National Interest, why is our country different.
On ACEN
An organisation like ACEN and its members play a very important role by getting involved in the revival of the Nigerian economy according to the ethics of our profession and patriotism as Nigerian citizens.
The reality on the ground is that the era of handling large and complex projects in-house in both the public and private sector is over. This is because good and experienced Consultants, earn much more on their own than being an employee of any organisation in the public or private sector.
Reflections on Investiture of Engr Kamselem A. Abubaka
Let me say right from the beginning that I am really very pleased to welcome this very special elite of distinguished engineers to Maiduguri the famous Borno State capital city, home of peace and centre of kanuri culture and civilisation.
2. We are very grateful that you elected on his merit our son, Engr. Kam-Selem A. Bukar, FNSE as the new president of ACEN. I have to say on behalf of all the people of Borno State that we really appreciate this well deserved recognition of our son.
Borno State has always produced distinguished and very patriotic Engineers, our current Governor of Borno State, the indefatigable Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum leads the pack. Despite the Boko Haram insurgency, he is always determined in doing his best to bring peace, unity. Development and prosperity to Borno State. May Allah (SWT) continue to grant him the wisdom and ability to take Borno to greater heights.
Another famous Civil Engineer from Borno State and founder of the well known Consulting firm, Sani Mustafa & Associates was the late Engr. Mustafa Bulama. He was second to none among his peers. He was a former president of both COREN and NSE, and died while still serving as COREN president. Many Engineers including the new president were employed by the firm and received his invaluable mentorship. To all our departed colleagues and elder Engineers, May the Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive their shortcomings and grant them the highest station in paradise, ameen.
5. We are gathered here today on the invitation of ACEN. For the benefit of our friend who are not Engineers, let us ask the question who is a Consultant? The Oxford Dictionary defines a Consultant as Specialist or expert in his/her chosen area of specialisation or profession. It is generally assumed that the consultant is more learned or informed than his or her client in knowledge, expertise, skills, experience, professional capacity to analyse, design and supervise large and complex projects to the satisfaction of clients and stakeholders.
