Follow Us on Google
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Federal Government says Nigeria is on its pathway to economic prosperity through effective implementation of policies for sustainable growth and development.
Senator Abubakar Bagudu, minister of Budget and Economic Planning, said this at the end of the 22nd Joint Planning Board (JPB) and National Economic Council on Development Planning (NCDP) yesterday in Osogbo.
According to him, the theme: Imperatives for Restoring Nigeria on the Path of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development,” was crafted to restore and stabilise the macro economy for sustainable economic growth.
He called on the state governors to support the efforts of the Federal Government, saying despite the already increased revenue to the states, inflation remains an issue.
“The measures taken have increased revenues to states already but challenges remain. Inflation is still an issue and there is a need to create employment as quickly as possible and enhance livelihood.
“We seek more collaboration with states because they are equal partners in our polity to ensure that we do more together,” Bagudu said.
According to him, the imperatives for restoring Nigeria on the pathway of sustainable economic growth and development is paramount for industrialisation and economic prosperity.
Bagudu appealed to state governors, local government representatives and the entire citizens to support the Federal Government in fashioning and repositioning the country on the path of economic growth and development.
He said he had been briefed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Nebeolisa Anako, that about 30 commissioners or state representatives of budget and economic planning were in Osogbo for the meeting.
Bagudu said the attendance demonstrated the importance of joint planning and the national council on development.
According to him, examples from countries that have achieved development have shown that planning played a crucial role in their economic take-off.
“Ethiopia, for instance, demonstrated that careful planning can deliver prosperity, with a growth rate of about 80 per cent for over a decade.
“Similarly, India, Korea, and other Asian countries have achieved success through planning.
“Given that Nigeria is a federation with provisions requiring federal, state, and local governments to lead through planning and the constitutional provision for a joint planning board between the state and local governments,” he said.
Bagudu, who emphasised unity, said that diversity is not a distraction but a potential benefit.
He encouraged cooperation and recognition of common goals, likening the mindset to the creation of trade unions worldwide.
“In my humble view, we are the most important link in our federal setting.
“We are the ones with constitutional responsibilities for planning in the states and coordinating such planning with the Federal Government,” he said.
