The federal government yesterday underscored the importance of collaboration among all tiers of government to rein in inflation, create employment and attain sustainable economic development.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this at the closing session of 22nd edition of the National Council on Development Planning(NCDP) yesterday in Osogbo, Osun State.
He tasked state governors on the need to collaborate with federal government to tackle unemployment and inflation with the increased revenue to the states.
He emphasised the importance of planning to economic prosperity and called for constitutional provision for a joint planning board between the state and local governments.
Bagudu noted that the annual event provides opportunities for commissioners and other officials across the 36 states who are responsible for economic planning to meet, brainstorm and interrogate for inclusive growth.
The 2023 theeme, he said, was to restore and stabilize macro economy for sustainable economic growth.
“We seek more collaboration with states governor because they are equal partners in our polity and ensure we do more together,” Bagudu said.
According to him, examples from countries that have achieved development showed 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,” Bagudu said.
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke said the theme of the 22nd edition of the event was timely, noting that as the country navigates through the evolving economic landscape, it is crucial that all stakeholders come together to chart a course that ensures not only growth but sustainability and inclusivity for all Nigerians.
Mr Adebiyi Adewale, the Comptroller- General of Customs, said the gathering would provide meaningful dialogue, insight and also foster partnership that would drive the country’s economy to greater heights.
He said resolutions and recommendations from the meeting would help restore Nigeria on the part of sustainable economic growth and development.
