The Nation Newspaper

Tag: jobs

  • Lagos to create wealth, jobs for residents

    Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi –Etti  has said the government is determined to build more wealth  and job creating activities that would lead to a more successful, sustainable and fairer economy.

    Durosimi-Etti told reporters that there is a plan to explore more talents and resources to build the state’s  potential to become a hub for the industries of the future. To this end, the ministry is strengthening collaborative approaches to drive and raise productivity.

    According to him, the government is resolved to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation to boost economic performance.

    He said the state is encouraging more apprenticeship training courses, with a refocused skills training plan.

    Durosinmi –Etti    said this will boost job prospects across the  local government areas. There is  an action to create  openings for artisans,  build resource projects and  reform the  education system to prepare a workforce for the future .

    According to him, the government has the  objectives to maximise the school-to-jobs plan, including focusing on early hands-on learning in schools, shifting education to match jobs in demand and entering partnerships with industry and labour to deliver training.

    The government, he stated, would  be  asking institutions to focus their training programmes and courses on what it calls high-demand occupations.

    On  job registration/ labour exchange centres, he said there will  be  one in each of the five divisions of the state.

    Consequently, each local government / local council development area is to establish annexes of the centres in their various domains.

    He said the ministry has so far commissioned the Badagry Division Centre in Ojo Local Government Secretariat, Ojo and the Lagos Division Centre at Igbo Efon, Eti-Osa Local Government Secretariat, Eti-Osa.

    The Ikorodu Division Centre, according to him,   is being  renovated while office spaces have been secured at Epe and Mushin Local government secretariats  to accommodate Epe Division and Ikeja Division respectively.

    He stated also that the ministry was able to get five guidance counselors re-deployed from the Ministry of Education to work at the centres on career guidance, in addition to other IT personnel.

    The job registration /labour exchange centres (LECs), are meant to provide wealth creation and employment services with the state government giving focus on career counseling, he added.

  • SMEDAN plans 1.5m jobs in six C

    SMEDAN plans 1.5m jobs in six C

    Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) will create 1.5 million jobs in six months, its Director-General Dr Dikko Umaru Radda has said.

    He spoke when the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 Project Team, led by its Head, Project Management Office, Mohammed  Suleyman, visited him in Abuja.

    “The major driver for economic growth is wealth and job creation. SMEDAN aims to create 1.5 million jobs in the next six months, which will be a great step in achieving the core mandate of the agency,” Radda said.

    He described the FSS 2020 project as a catalyst for national development which would strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector as well as galvanise the economy.

    Radda assured the team of the agency’s support on the project which seeks to develop the economy to make it one of the best by 2020.

    The agency, he said, would work towards realising the project’s objectives for the MSMEs to feel the impact.

    “I have from your presentation come to the realisation that the FSS 2020 has a lot to offer for the development of MSMEs sub sector in the country. This is a welcome development and I am very impressed with this,” he said.

    He told the FSS 2020 team that the major challenges of MSMEs, particularly in Nigeria, is lack of a synergy between stakeholders and access to finance. He restated that the FSS2020 project is a national project whose primary purpose is to develop the economy.

    Suleyman said the project dealt with pension, MSMEs, insurance and mortgage, among others. He solicited for a technical officer, who will serve as a link between the team and the agency.

  • Lagos to create wealth, jobs for residents

    Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi –Etti  has said the government is determined to build more wealth  and job creating activities that would lead to a more successful, sustainable and fairer economy.

    Durosimi-Etti told reporters that there is a plan to explore more talents and resources to build the state’s  potential to become a hub for the industries of the future. To this end, the ministry is strengthening collaborative approaches to drive and raise productivity.

    According to him, the government is resolved to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation to boost economic performance.

    He said the state is encouraging more apprenticeship training courses, with a refocused skills training plan.

    Durosinmi –Etti    said this will boost job prospects across the  local government areas. There is  an action to create  openings for artisans,  build resource projects and  reform the  education system to prepare a workforce for the future .

    According to him, the government has the  objectives to maximise the school-to-jobs plan, including focusing on early hands-on learning in schools, shifting education to match jobs in demand and entering partnerships with industry and labour to deliver training.

    The government, he stated, would  be  asking institutions to focus their training programmes and courses on what it calls high-demand occupations.

    On  job registration/ labour exchange centres, he said there will  be  one in each of the five divisions of the state.

    Consequently, each local government / local council development area is to establish annexes of the centres in their various domains.

    He said the ministry has so far commissioned the Badagry Division Centre in Ojo Local Government Secretariat, Ojo and the Lagos Division Centre at Igbo Efon, Eti-Osa Local Government Secretariat, Eti-Osa.

    The Ikorodu Division Centre, according to him,   is being  renovated while office spaces have been secured at Epe and Mushin Local government secretariats  to accommodate Epe Division and Ikeja Division respectively.

    He stated also that the ministry was able to get five guidance counselors re-deployed from the Ministry of Education to work at the centres on career guidance, in addition to other IT personnel.

    The job registration /labour exchange centres (LECs), are meant to provide wealth creation and employment services with the state government giving focus on career counseling, he added.

     

  • New price regime will create additional 200,000 jobs – FG

    New price regime will create additional 200,000 jobs – FG

    New price regime will create additional 200,000 jobs – FG

    The Federal Government believes  the new price regime for the downstream petroleum sector will go a long way in  tackling  the hardship faced by Nigerians and create additional 200,000 jobs in the country,the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported yesterday quoting  from a bulletin issued by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

    It said that the new price template would potentially create jobs through the envisaged new investments in refineries and retailing of crude oil products.

    It stated that the new pricing template would also prevent potential loss of nearly 400,000 jobs in existing investments in the sector.

    The bulletin explained that new framework would on the long run solve the recurrent fuel scarcity crisis by ensuring the availability of the products at all locations of the country.

    It said the measure would also ensure the total elimination of hoarding, smuggling and diversion of the product while also stabilising price at the actual product price.

    It stated that government, through the new price regime, would monitor the new price to ensure that citizens got a fair value for the products they purchased.

    It said the new price would enable marketers to source their foreign exchange independent of the Central Bank of Nigeria and ensure adequate product supply in all locations of the country.

    It explained that the measure would enable government to deliver on its statutory functions of power generation, security, provision of education and health.

    The document explained that the new price regime would permanently eliminate subsidy payments and ensure the availability of funds for the full payment of monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee.

    It will also provide additional funds for other palliatives and help in stabilising the economy by creating access to development loans.

  • Dangote to create 210,000 jobs

    Dangote to create 210,000 jobs

    The Dangote Group will create 210,000 jobs in the agriculture sector between now and 2018, its Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said.

    Speaking at the opening of Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit on Tuesday, Dangote said 80 per cent of the jobs would come from the agriculture sector.

    “We should pay attention to the agricultural sector for investment opportunities, particularly when the crude oil is now becoming unreliable,’’ Dangote said, in his goodwill message.

    He said Brazil, which had same peculiarities with Nigeria, had $350 billion in its foreign reserve, adding that 80 per cent of the fund was from agriculture.

    “Brazil is now a leading producer of sugarcane, soya beans, wheat and poultry in the World,’’ he said, noting that he would establish the largest single refinery with the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day and two subsea pipelines of 550 kilometers in Delta, Ogun and Lagos.

    Dangote promised to assist government to reduce pipeline vandalism as well as provide 12,000 megawatts of power. He, however, called for the creation of enabling environment for investors by identifying areas with comparative advantages.

    “You don’t need to call for investors, just create enabling environment for the local ones; you will see the foreign ones gate crashing,’’ he said.

    Beans export: Federal Government is working to resolve Nigeria’s EU’s suspension

    The Federal Government is working closely with relevant agencies towards ensuring that the European Union (EU’s) suspension of Nigeria’s dried beans exports is lifted in June, the Coordinating Director, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr. Vincent Isegbe, said on Tuesday.

    He said government was working towards the lifting of the suspension, which is supposed to end this year. “We have submitted series of reports to the EU here. When we went to Netherlands and China in April, we met with the EU team. And we discussed with them. For us to travel to China for the meeting of pesticide is to let them know we are serious about resolving the relevant issues and to be able to carry out analysis for pesticides,” Isegbe said.

    He added that Nigeria has sufficient laboratory equipment to test for aflatoxin. “So, we don’t have any issues with that; we are trying to put our house in order,” he explained.

    The EU announced an export suspension measure in June 2015, which affected dried beans from Nigeria. The dried beans from Nigeria was reported to have contained high levels of pesticides considered dangerous to human health.

    The suspension is expected to end in June. Isegbe, who described the ban as a national embarrassment, said relevant government agencies were working closely to ensure that past mistakes were corrected before the deadline.

    He said Nigeria is expected to provide substantial guarantees that adequate official control systems have been put in place to ensure compliance with food law requirements.

    Isegbe however, explained that quarantine service officers were not contacted to test the batch of beans that failed to meet international standards leading to the suspension.

    “People want to do business with beans. There is a market for beans overseas, but weevils are destroying those beans and they need to protect those beans from weevils.

    “Ignorantly, they applied overdose of the chemicals and the countries of destination rejected them, because of fear that the beans will harm their people and they suspended us,” he said.

    According to him, the beans left the border to European countries even when they did not pass through quarantine. “We are asking government to look at the issue holistically if we really have to do export business. We need to re organise how the business should be done,” he stated.

    The NAQS Coordinating Director said the Service has been talking to clearing agencies not to bypass quarantine, noting that it does not make sense for any businessman to bypass quarantine and try to export.

    He also said the Service had started using radio and television jingles to educate members of the public and farmers on some of their activities.

    Isegbe, who said people were exposed to a lot of diseases due to poor packing of food, advised farmers and traders to package their produce properly.

    He emphasised the need for collaboration between regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to ensure quality control and acceptance of Nigerian agricultural exports in the international market.

  • Jobs tools for lawmaker’s constituents

    Jobs tools for lawmaker’s constituents

    Jobs tools worth millions of naira have been distributed to some members of the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District.

    The items were provided by Senator Obinna Ogba who represents the constituency.

    The items included over motorcycles, grinding machines, cassava grinding machines, sewing machines, kernel grinding machines and over 10 cars.

    Speaking during the distribution exercise at his hometown Amanvu Nkalagu in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, Senator Ogba noted that the distribution is structured in such a way that all the 58 wards in the four local government areas of the zone namely Ikwo, Ezza North, Ezza South and Ishielu benefit from the scheme.

    He said the distribution which will be periodical is in keeping with his campaign promises to the people.

    The Senator said he has started paying stipends to over 232 persons in the constituency.

    The programme he said costs him over N1m monthly, adding that he is determined to sustain it till the end of his tenure.

    On creating jobs, Senator Ogba noted that notwithstanding the embargo placed on employment, he has been able to secure employment for about 14 persons spread across the four local governments.

    “I recommended over 30 persons for employment; about 9 of them will get their appointment letters now that the 2016 budget has been signed,” he said.

    Also 10 persons from my constituency are also in my payroll and I spend well over N400,000 on their salary monthly.

    On education, Senator Ogba noted that he has paid school fees for over 100 students. He said he has concluded arrangement to float a scholarship scheme later in the year.

    Other projects by the Senator include construction of rural bridges and roads in some communities in Ishielu local government area and sponsorship ofsome constituents to overseas tour.

    “On arrival, the contingent receives cash rewards not fewer than 500,000 each. I am making arrangements to secure some slots for two or more persons to travel to Brazil for the 2016 Olympics”.

    Senator Ogba said all those who drove his campaign vehicles have been given those cars.

    He urged the beneficiaries to put the gifts into good use while assuring that the programme will continue throughout his tenure.

     

  • Firm to create 10,000 ICT jobs

    An e-commerce platform, Quickpromo.com, a brand of Vertrag International Limited, has promised to create over 10,000 jobs  this year.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olubunmi Oluwadare said the e-commerce wholesale promotional products platform has over 1,000 factories across the globe, where promotional products are purchased online at factory prices.

    Speaking with our reporter in Lagos, Mr Oluwadare said the platform offers the largest selection on the web of the most innovative and cost effective promotional gifts for meetings and events, product branding, and trade shows.

    He said the site offers perfect promotional product for all marketing campaign needs.

    He said: “Our factory represents over 100,000 unique items and we are Africa first online promotional items production and branding factory. We offer items including, pen and pencils, electronics and technology items, custom flash drives, clothing, clocks and wretches, caps and hats, bags, automotive items and corporate gifts among others.

    “At Quickpromo.com, buyers can order promotional item in wholesale and the items would be delivered to their door step without buyers going to the factory. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the factory and the vendors.

    “Our online platform is built with an app which is compatible with any Android device. Our focus in Nigeria is to create over 10,000 jobs before the year ends.”

    He added that the online platform cut across every sector including, entertainment, events, school and religious organisations, saying the entrepreneurs on the platform would be trained to discover their area of strength to cover which sector.

  • Solar firm to create 500,000 jobs

    A steven Solar Nigeria, a  solar power generating company, plans to generate about 50 Megawatts of electricity and create over 500, 000 direct jobs over the next 24 months.

    Its Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, at a briefing at the ‘Nigeria Energy Forum’, where the firm bagged the Group Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria.

    Asteven Solar, he said, will commence the phased implementation of its model to generate 50 MW over the next 24 months with a potential to generate over 500,000 jobs, using its developed solar solutions.

    His words: “We are uniquely positioned to help Nigeria, working with government at all levels and corporate organisations, to bridge the energy gap and simultaneously achieve environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. This is due to the silent strategic investments we have been making over the years in solar energy in Nigeria, Cameroun and Europe.”

    The adoption of solar energy, he recalled, has often been weighed down by price and quality perception, adding that, the company is investing in service centres across Nigeria to ensure the quality of its panels, batteries, LED lights and other components.

  • ‘Use recovered loot to create jobs’

    ‘Use recovered loot to create jobs’

    How should the money recovered from those who stole from the treasury be spent? It should be used on creating jobs, says a unionist, Comrade Kiri Mohammed.

    Mohammed, Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) president, said by so doing President Muhammadu Buhari would be addressing what he called the “unemployment crisis”.

    Speaking with The Nation, Mohammed expressed concern over slump in the oil price, which has made payment of salaries difficult.

    He urged all tiers of governments not to capitalise on this, to deny workers their salaries for diversification of the economy to address the problem.

    Kiri advised politicians to reduce the number of their aides to free up resources to meet other developmental programmes.

    “The union advocated the reduction in the cost of governance at all tiers of government due to the dwindling resources. The union regretted to observe that hundreds of billions of naira are filtered away by the public office holders, most especially in the guise of security vote.

    “In the same vein, the union expresses indignation in the way and manner public office holders and other individuals corruptly managed the resources of the country by diverting hard earned revenue through over bloated contract sums, unlimited appointment of political aides in the name of political gratification,” he said.

    In a related event, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, has called on the Federal Government to set up a tripartite committee to look into the minimum wage and review it.

    He made the call in Ilorin while opening a two-day yearly industrial relations workshop open. “We are looking forward to a tripartite committee to be set-up by the Federal Government to review the salary. We are hoping for a tripartite committee comprising government’s agencies and representatives of the organised labour (TUC and NLC) to deliberate, prepare a bill and send it to the National Assembly for amendment of the National Minimum Wage,” Kaigama said.

    Speaking on the passage of the 2016 budget, the TUC president said Nigerians should begin to see some changes in the country once President Buhari signed it into law.

    “We are waiting for the execution of the change mantra budget, which has just been passed by the National Assembly.

    “In the coming months, we should begin to see certain achievements that will make Nigerians believe or otherwise the policies of the current administration. We hope that they will not forget and be carried away by the euphoria of victory as four years is just like four days,” Kaigama said.

  • Jobs, cash coming as govt plans N350b revival pill

    Jobs, cash coming as govt plans N350b revival pill

    Osinbajo heads implementation committee

    Highlights

    •Contractors will be paid for retrenched workers’ return
    •UBEC counterpart funding to reduce from 50% to 10% to free about N58 billion for states
    •State to reduce number of political appointees
    •Better pay for Customs officers in more revenue drive
    •Diversification of revenue sources by governments
    •More investment in infrastructure through Public Private Partnership (PPP)
    •Bank of Agriculture to be repositioned and duties on agriculture equipment should be waived
    •Federal and state governments should collaborate to ensure the sustainability of the school feeding and other social protection programmes

    Nigerians got some good news yesterday – the Federal Government is pumping N350 billion into the economy.

    The aim, according to Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, is to:

    • reflate the economy and make more cash available in the system;
    • pay contractors who will bring back workers who have been retrenched; and
    • revive capital projects.

    The cash, which is based on the soon-to-be-passed 2016 Budget, will be released in the next few months.

    Mrs Adeosun broke the news to State House correspondents at the end of the two-day National Economic Council (NEC) Retreat at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    With her were Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari; Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano and Minister of Budget and National Planning Udoma Udo Udoma.

    The retreat, organised for the members of the National Economic Council (NEC) and other top Federal Government officials, according to her, deliberated extensively on the drop in government revenue and how it is affecting the state governments, which are finding it hard to pay salaries.

    She said: “From the Federal Ministry of Finance in anticipation of the approval of the budget, we have virtually lined up about N350 billion which we will be pumped into the economy in the forthcoming months.

    “We explained our rationale and the processes that we have put in place, safeguards to ensure that this money actually achieves the desired objective, which is to stimulate the economy.

    “We are already discussing with some of the contractors who will be paid these monies and the objectives from the overall criteria is how many Nigerians would be re-engaged.”

    She added: “We are specifically looking at contractors who have laid off staff and how many Nigerians are you going to put back to work as a result of this money that we are planning to release and we believe that this would bring significant economic activity.”

    The N350bn will be pumped into the economy in the next one quarter.

    ”Our priority is engaging Nigerians and resuming our capital projects.”

    On revenue generation, Mrs. Adeosun said: “There is need to have a business and commercial approach to revenue generation.

    ”There is need for us to look at data management because nobody can succeed in revenue generation without the data.”

    Customs men also got a piece of cherry news. They will get a better pay.

    “We look at the Customs and found out that it has one of the lowest salaries at least from their peer group. That is a problem. Here you have a custom officer being paid N50, 000 monthly and you task him to collect duty of nearly N2 million. So we are working on better remuneration for the Customs,” Mrs Adeosun said.

    She went on: “The other issue is the equipment being used by the agency. Their ability to scan containers is very important. Classifications of containers are faulty now because of the kind of equipment they use.  Ability to scan a container and know what is in it is limited.”

    State government also got some relief. Their Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart funding is to be reduced so that they can access about N58 billion.

    Said the minister: “We also discussed UBEC and the need to get legislative approval to change the need for counterpart funding on the part of state governments, which we feel is putting them further into debt, to reduce that requirement from a temporary period to 10 per cent from the current 50 per cent and that will release an estimated N58 billion that is currently un-accessed.”

    “It was discussed that with that money we could possibly address around 1,000 of the worst classrooms in each of the 36 states and rehabilitate them and, of course, this would also create jobs and economic activity.”

    On the drop in revenue, Mrs. Adeosun said the retreat resolved that there was a need to bring in more cost efficiency in their operations.

    “In particular to look at the setting up of the efficiency unit within the state governments, to rationalise expenditure and, of course, to increase IGR. To that end, there was a need to generate data because data is the basis of any revenue collecting efforts,” she added.

    According to her, the Federal and state Inland revenue services are to collaborate and do joint audits to invest in revenue, relevant technology and efforts to improve collection.

    She said there was a need to develop incentives for both federal and state revenue generating agencies to ensure an alignment of interest.

    “There is a focus at state level on property and consumption taxes to help in improving revenue in a fair manner. Tax payer education must be intensified and to expand the tax base and ensure that there is a buy-in in the revenue collection agencies from the populace.”

    Governors, Mrs Adeosun said, were encouraged where possible to rationalise number of commissioners and political appointees and, in addition, cost control measures to be identified and implemented on an on-going basis.

    There was sharing of best practices from a number of states that could be applied to other states.

    Highlights of decisions at the retreat

    Other highlights of the NEC Retreat, according to a communique issued at the end of the session, included agreement reached for concerted and consistent efforts to diversify revenue sources.

    “Expand compliance on VAT, adopting a gradual plan for rate increase. Increase expenditure through borrowing, which should be invested in infrastructure.

    “Federal and state governments to focus on fiscal responsibility as a critical element in macro-economic balance. Increase investment in infrastructure through public private partnership (PPP). Develop financial inclusion strategies to cater for the poor and vulnerable population. Maintain a minimum level of capital expenditure of 30% in the budget.

    On agriculture, the retreat resolved that the Federal Government should re-position the Bank of Agriculture to enhance its capacity to finance agriculture.

    “Funding for agricultural sector is considered critical and sources of intervention funding from the Central Bank of Nigeria should be considered. A single digit interest rate for agricultural loans should be considered while duties and taxes for agricultural products and equipment should be waived.

    “Develop strategic partnerships between Federal and state governments. Each state should make specific commitments to crops in which it has comparative advantage and request Federal Government intervention.

    It was also resolved that national targets for self-sufficiency should be set for identified crops, which should be monitored including tomato paste – 2016, rice – 2018, and wheat – 2019.

    “The Federal and State governments should roll out agricultural extension services nationwide. Commodity Exchanges should be established for price regulation and avoidance of losses due to lack of markets. The Abuja Commodity Exchange should be revitalised.

    “The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) should be re-established. The Federal Government should develop an Agriculture Implementation plan whereby state governments are encouraged to identify at least two crops in which they have comparative advantage

    “States should open up rural/feeder roads to facilitate transportation of agricultural produce to be supported by the Federal Government

    “The Federal and state governments should establish minimum price guarantee for farm produce.

    “The Federal Government should provide immediate funding to upscale efforts of Agricultural Institutes of Research and Development across Nigeria.”

    The retreat also resolved that state governments should also be encouraged to fund research and development in agriculture through technical colleges, universities and research institutions.

    For solid minerals, the retreat resolved that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development should complete and present the solid minerals development roadmap.

    “This framework should address issues of illegal miner, licences, taxes and royalties by 31st March 2016. Federal Government to engage state government on the roadmap and agree any amendment that may be required by 30th June 2016

    “Initiate relevant legislative changes that maybe necessitated by the agreed roadmap by 31stJuly 2016. Conclude the revalidation/recertification of all mining leases by 30th September 2016

    “Agree with states and local government on respective responsibilities for developing feeder roads and other critical infrastructure for solid minerals development

    “Federal Government and states to set deadlines to achieve self-sufficiency in bitumen/asphalt and tiles (to discourage/stop importation)

    “Make and communicate final decisions on operationalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant by 30th June 2016. Establishment of joint committee to address issues of data on quantity and quality of minerals exploited and exported

    Setting up of mining cadastral zonal offices for proximity to states for the purpose of issuing licenses and easy monitoring by states was also resolved by the retreat.

    “Discourage use of wood for cooking by promoting use of coal briquettes. Guarantee access to finance solid minerals development via intervention funds and private sector capital.

    “Block revenue leakages in the sector through effective monitoring of activities in the mining sector. Organise artisanal/small-scale miners as a mechanism for reducing illegal mining and Establish Mines Surveillance Taskforce by September 2016

    On Investment, industrialisation and enabling monetary policies, it was resolved that the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment (MITI) to develop a matrix of actions to be taken by Federal and State Governments towards achieving the targeted improvements in Ease of Doing Business ranking by 30th April 2016.

    “Present an incentive scheme for states taking actions towards improvement of the investment climate in their states, including grants, by 30th September 2016

    “Forge strong links between the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the State Investment Promotion Agencies. States to collaborate more actively on regional basis on investments and industrialization.

    “The Federal Government should work with the states and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for trade and investment through the implementation of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) to encourage industrialisation.

    “Make environment conducive for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises to create jobs for the unemployed and undertake deliberate policies to create access to funds.”

    State and Federal governments have also been urged to emphasise the patronage of “Made in Nigeria” products.

    “Import competition” rather than “import substitution” should be emphasised.

    Governors are to set up task forces to monitor implementation of trade/ investment policies and strengthen planning institutions by linking federal and sub-national planning; in this regard, a monthly meeting between the Minister of Budget & National Planning and State Commissioners for planning will be institutionalised.

    States are also to set up one-stop shop for investors where they do not exist to attract investment and improve on IGR.

    “Promote regional cooperation on investment and industrialisation. Implement institutional and structural reforms as a way of improving the efficacy of monetary policy, including greater consultation with the National Economic Council.

    It also harped on the need for predictability and consistency of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s communication to key stakeholders to manage expectations.

    “The Central Bank of Nigeria should carry the states along in some of their reforms in areas of SMEs and agricultural funding initiatives. Long-term development goals should anchor policy decisions

    “Effective regulation and supervision to improve confidence in the soundness and stability of the banking system.

    For infrastructure and services, the retreat resolved development of infrastructure delivery plan, considering current financial capabilities driven principally by the goal of improvement of the quality of life for the populace

    “Develop financing model for infrastructure projects. Integrate training and job creation components in infrastructure projects. Implement empowerment and entrepreneurship policies to foster inclusive growth.”

    The Federal and State Governments are also to work collaboratively to ensure sustainability of the school feeding and other social protection programmes.

    “Cooperation from the States’ Ministries of Education and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEBs) for the Teacher Corp programme.

    “Provide logistics support on the proposed upgrade of 75 existing National Directorate of Employment (NDE) facilities (across the various states) to Empowerment Centres

    “Cooperation and coordination with the states on their specific job creation efforts. State government support on identified needs such as infrastructure and/or space for innovation hubs.

    “State government support for artisan training, scoping and support for existing artisan cultures, use of existing training facilities.

    “Institutionalise a single register as a platform for targeting the authentic poorest and vulnerable for safety net programmes; for government, donor agency, organisations or individuals.

    “Creating a delivery mechanism that ensures efficient, consistent timely and direct payments in the remotest parts of the country. Boost productivity and financial inclusion for the poorest and most vulnerable.”

    The retreat raised two committees: The Implementation Steering Committee is headed by

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is the chairman of NEC.

    Other members of the committee are Abdulaziz Y. Abubakar, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Zamfara State, Adams Oshiomhole, Governor of Edo State, Abdulfatah Ahmed,

    Governor of Kwara State, Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun State, David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State.

    Others are Badaru Abubakar, Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Abubakar, Governor of Bauchi State, Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance, Okechukwu Enelama, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Audu Ogbe, Minister of Agriculture, Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works, Power and Housing, and Nana F Mede, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, who will be secretary.

    The Implementation Monitoring Committee chaired by Zainab S. Ahmed, Minister of State, Budget and National Planning. Members are Mrs. Yosola Akinbi, Senior Technical Adviser to the Vice President on the National Economic Council, Mr. L.O.T. Shittu, DG, Nigeria Governors Forum, Mr. David Olofu, Commissioner for Finance and Planning, Benue State, Mohammed Kauji, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Borno State, E.A. Onwiodokif, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Aisha M. Bello, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kano State Mrs. Aderenle Adesina, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ogun State.

    Others are Mark Okoye, Special Adviser, Economic Planning and Budget, Anambra State, Mr. Tunde Lawal, Director, Macroeconomic Analysis Department, Fed. Min. BNP, Kayode Obasa, Director, Economic Growth, FMBNP and A.B. Saadu, Director, Special Duties.