FG Asks C’ttee to Review NES23 Report

The federal government  has inaugurated the Joint Planning Committee (JPC) of the 24^th edition of the Nigeria Economic Summit (NES#24) with a charge to review the report of NES#23 report.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who handed down the directive while inaugurating the NES#24 JPC in Abuja also gave the committee other terms of reference, including   mobilising relevant public and private sector stakeholders for the Summit, and undertaking any other activity that may lead to the successful hosting of the summit.

Udoma also asked the committee to make all preparatory arrangements for the successful hosting of NES#24, including developing an appropriate theme for the summit, as well as the agenda/programme of event and timelines for the implementation of the key activities of the summit.

The minister urged the committee to deliver a summit that will not only meet the expected outcomes but continue the work of placing the economy on a path of diversified, inclusive and sustainable growth as set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

Udoma explained that in line with the usual practice, the JPC will work under the joint coordination of the public sector, represented by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the private sector, represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), to ensure successful delivery of the Summit.

The other members on the committee representing the public sector will be made up of officials of the Office of the Vice President; Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade & Investment; Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Office of the Inspector General of Police; Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Central Bank of Nigeria; and Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat.

Urging all the members to show a high level of commitment to justify the confidence reposed in them, Udoma explained that the successes recorded and contributions made by past editions in the last 24 years was a demonstration of  the efficacy of public private partnerships that has evolved in Nigeria during this period.

“Many of the reform policies that have underpinned the evolution of our economic growth strategy over the past twenty-four years were strongly influenced by debates and deliberations during these Summits. Last year’s Summit, NES #23, titled “Opportunities, Productivity & Employment: Actualizing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan” focused on identifying the actions required to deliver solutions that will actualize the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP)”, he stated.

In his remarks, the NESG, Dr. Kyari Bukar said the NES had continued to provide an opportunity for both the public and private sectors to interact and share thoughts on key issues and challenges facing Nigeria’s growth and development, with a view to evolving a common strategy and policy framework for addressing them.

Explaining why this year’s edition will be for only two instead of the usual three days, the Chief Executive Officer of the NESG, Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, said it was not the number of days that mattered but the articulation of the focus of the programme to achieve maximally the intended objective, adding that the duration was reduced to ensure  high level government of participation and attention of policy makers in government