The Federal Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to launch ‘Imagine Nigeria’ report under a larger development framework that explores alternative pathways to further the country’s development.
At the event were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, representing President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, and Resident Representative UNDP Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Yahya, among others.
Osinbajo said: “Imagine Nigeria’was a bold exploration of the great possibilities of Nigeria as it provided the licence to imagine a Nigeria freed of its past and current challenges and able to engage the future with the best possible tools in human and material capital ‘’
He said the objective was to answer the question of what it would take to transform Nigeria, adding that it was a process of reflection and discussion by Nigerians, especially young Nigerians on what the future of the country should look like.
“Imagine Nigeria’ proposes that Nigerians can build a more inclusive and resilient nation, overcoming prevailing challenges facing Nigeria, such as the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, diminishing oil revenue, climate change, the rising cost of living, inequalities, poverty, and levels of insecurity, among others.
The report notes that, among many other African countries, Nigeria remains a major powerhouse with numerous unexplored or fully utilised prospects that citizens can harness for national transformation.
The country’s sheer size and population make Nigeria one of Africa’s biggest markets and economies. Nigeria is also highly regarded by many in and outside of Africa and has been called upon numerously to lead in peacekeeping efforts regionally and internationally, he added.
The creative industry provides the country with unparalleled soft power while the Nigerian private sector, particularly the youth, is leading Africa’s innovation and technological revolution.
Nigerian firms are expanding across the continent, and the country holds considerable potential to contribute to the realisation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Yahya noted that Nigeria’s reimagination was critical not only for the country but also for the African continent and the world.
“Imagine Nigeria is about creating a shift for a new African agenda and development narrative. It calls on Nigeria to facilitate new forms of collaboration for the country and Africa so that the continent can take its well-deserved seat in the global arena while also providing a basis for the country’s transformation.