Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako stated this on Monday while inaugurating the Joint Planning Committee for the NES#29 in Abuja.
He said the annual summit provides a veritable platform for dialogue among policy makers, corporate leaders, organized private sector, civil society organization as well as development partners.
He noted that key outcomes of the annual Summits have always played important roles in shaping the policies of government.
According to him, “The Summit had in the past contributed to entrenching the culture of development planning in the country. Most recently the partnership helped in no small measure in the development of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 2025 and the Nigeria Agenda 2050.
“The contributions of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group in this regard is well appreciated. I am confident that this partnership will continue to endure going forward.”
The Permanent Secretary informed that efforts have been concluded to forward the 2022 Summit recommendations and outcomes to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in the form of Council Note for their information and guidance.
He charged members of the committee to work hard to ensure they maintain the standard already set.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Laoye Jayeola said since it’s establishment in 1993, the Nigerian Economic Summit has experienced significant growth evolving into an annual gathering that unites influential policy makers, private sector leaders and representatives from civil society for vital discussions.
He said Nigeria is plagued with one of the world’s poorest human capital indices concerning education and health outcomes.
“Apart from facing a substantial health infrastructure gap, the country has witnessed a significant brain drain of medical professionals, exacerbating the shortage of skilled personnel in the healthcare sector,” Jayeola said.
He said in the context of a new government, there is an undeniable need to reinvigorate efforts to achieve sustainable economic development.
“The 29th Nigerian Economic Summit is not just an annual event, it represents a call for change, a clarion call for renewed commitment and a dedicated effort to turn our economy around for the better,” he said.
He said the NES#29 Joint Planning Committee is tasked with charting a new course for our nation’s economic prosperity.
“I have complete faith in the abilities of the esteemed members of this committee and I am confident that together we can shape a brighter future for Nigeria, ” he said.