By Merit Ibe
The Minster of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has advised newly appointed Chief Executive Officers of parastatals and agencies under the supervision of the ministry to align their strategic mandates with the Eight- point agenda of the government.
The minister gave the advice at the inauguration ceremony of the CEOs, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, in the hope that they will bring their much needed wealth of experience and professionalism to bear on the work of the agencies to achieve their mandates.
Uzoka-Anite reminded the new CEOs that their activities and achievements, will be monitored and assessed with a view to scoring their performances periodically, based on the priority areas of government.
Urging them to discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations and other extant regulations governing the Public Service, the trade minister reiterated the administration’s zero tolerance for any form of corruption, saying, “ this stance must not be compromised in any way. Government will frown at and punish corrupt practices perpetrated by management team of your agencies.” In her remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Evelyn N. Ngige, reminded the CEOs that as leaders of these critical parastatals, they bear the responsibility of steering the economy of the nation towards greater heights. “Your roles remain pivotal in implementing policies, programmes and projects that will generate employment and create wealth for the generality of Nigeria.
The Industry, Trade and Investment Sector is the engine of growth of any nation. For Nigeria to emerge from its current economic challenges, we, as the leaders of the bureaucracy in this critical sector, must be conscious of our responsibilities of delivering on the set objectives and mandates of our respective institutions. She charged them to innovate, re-strategize and reengineer the old processes to ensure that “our efforts deliver impactful and optimum results.
“This is a new phase and I expect that you will bring aboard a renewed vigour to deliver on the mandate of your agencies. In the conduct of your duties, you must be mindful of pitfalls that may arise as a result of your non-adherence to extant rules and regulations. These issues have often diminished the good works of many CEOs, who have dedicated themselves to delivering effective and efficient public services.”
In her vote of thanks, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni
applauded the President Bola Tinubu for for giving them the opportunity to serve.
She also appreciated Uzoka-Anite for her dexterity, resilience and dedication in carrying
out her mandate particularly as it relates to driving the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s
Renewed Hope agenda which is focused on creating jobs, strengthening the
manufacturing sector and exportation of goods and services especially non oil export.
“This agenda extends to empowering the youth by providing an enabling environment
for the youth to maximize the opportunities in the digital economy covering
Entertainment, culture and tourism among others.
“Your visionary leadership is
worthy of note and we are so proud of you and excited to be part of this great ministry.
Together we will do you proud in all our different parastatals and agencies. We assure
you that we will work hard to rebuild structures and explore and exploit new spaces
that are pro-growth that will align to the objectives of the Renewed Hope agenda of his
Excellency Mr president.
It is indeed a game changer as this will engender sustainable economic
growth, development and diversification of our economy.”
She appreciated the permanent Secretary of the Ministry, noting that at NEPC, “we believe that strategic engagements will help in promoting the ease of
doing business and further complement the effort of the Ministry and other relevant
stakeholders in providing seamless trade facilitation for the exporting community.
She implored everyone to see the
event as an opportunity to identify with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr.
President by expressing support towards realising his vision and the
objectives of the programme.
“Once again, thank you for your time and understanding as we work together in
repositioning the economy for sustainable and inclusive growth.”