National Economic Conference Underway In Uyo (Posted: April 17, 2010)
By Essien Ndueso The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan says the present administration in the country is focused on laying foundation for sustainable growth in the economy, driven by the implementation of sectional reforms and initiatives for stability and increased investment in critical infrastructure. Dr. Jonathan represented by the Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, stated this while declaring open the 11th National Council on Finance and Economic Development Conference (NACOFED) held at Le’ Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo. He said the key component of the government’s strategy to the development target "is to attract private sector funding and expertise,” and noted that "the Government has been very concern on the way forward for the economy from 2010." At the four-day Conference attended by the Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, all state commissioners of Finance and Accountant Generals, the Acting President said as part of efforts to transform the economy on sustained basis, the Federal Government is currently undertaking for reaching economic reforms anchored on Federal Government’s 7-Point Agenda and the Vision 20:2020. Dr. Jonathan expressed hope that with the budget assuming production of 2.09 million barrels per day coupled with a conservative price assumption and the success of the recent amnesty for militants in the Niger Delta and the clean up in the banking sector, "will all reflect in extra revenue for the Federal, States and Local Governments." The Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces described the theme of the Conference The Emergence of Nigerian Economy from the Global Economic Crisis as appropriate and timely. He assured that the government will adopt the recommendations from the Conference for implementation. The Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola said over the years, the Conference "has turned into an avenue for high-level policy making on economic matters through the interactive forum it provides for dialogue on burning issues confronting the economy." Stating that, government "aim to deliver tangible improvements to the living standards of Nigerian citizens increase the growth rate while maintaining macroeconomic stability,” Mrr Babalola affirmed the commitment of his ministry to revamping Nigeria’s economy through collaboration with all sub-national governments and expressed the hope that the recommendation of the Conference will go a long way in transforming the nation from poverty to prosperity. In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who was represented on the occasion by his Deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu described the year 2010 as a special year for Nigeria and the citizens, and as such urged everyone charged with the affairs of the nation to work hard to cover lost grounds and lay solid foundation for sustainable economic growth occasioned by high standard of living, peace and progress. Governor Akpabio commended the choice of Akwa Ibom for the Conference, and described the State as a fast emerging economic destination in the Gulf of Guinea, said he regarded theme of the event "as a bold attempt to take our destiny in our own hands.” He opined that, "we must brace up as a nation, formulate policies and programmes and re-strategize as to the way forward.” He expressed the belief that at the end of the Council meeting, "we would have come up with a workable blueprint with which to positively respond to the contemporary global economic challenges as it concerns our dear country Nigeria.” The opening of the Conference was preceded by a Courtesy call to Government House by the Minister of State, Mr. Babalola and the States’ Commissioners of Finance from across the country. |
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