The
Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has lauded the Federal Government
over its economic planning, and development efforts, reports ITRealms.
ACCI, ITRealms gathered, particularly commended Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi
Osinbajo (SAN) who is lead proponent on economic matters of this administration,
for the conclusions reached at the recent National Economic Council (NEC)
meeting saying they are critical first steps towards harmonising economic planning
and development among the various levels of government.
The Media
& Protocol Officer at ACCI, Mr. Lubem Gena, in a press statement made available to ITRealms, quoted President of the Chamber,
Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), as describing the new approach by the Vice
President and his leadership as "a determined step to create synergy in
national economic planning to provide a common sense of development
direction for the country”.
He
observed that until now the National Economic Council (NEC) has not fully
launched out to initiate and coordinate national economic direction for which
it was established by the constitution.
"The
ACCI commends the Presidency and particularly the Vice President for finally
activating the constitutional authority of the NEC to initiate, integrate, and
direct the focus of national economic development so that the various tiers of
government will no longer be working at cross purposes, or in silos.
Prince
Kayode who was cabinet minister in four capacities, explained that under the
1999 Constitution, the structure for effective political and economic governance of Nigeria is broadly divided.
The
legal luminary noted that, while the President as Chief Executive presides over
the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Defence, Security and Police Councils and
also chairs the National Council of States (NCS), on the other hand, the
Constitution mandates the Vice President to chair the NEC with membership
including all state governors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and
others.
“It
is thus clear that the constitution intended the Vice President to superintend
the economy, of course, under the general direction of Mr. President. So if the Vice President is enabled to fully
implement the authority already given to his office by the constitution then as
the focal authority for the management of the national economy along with the state
governments, we can easily develop an integrated approach to economic planning
and execution.
“The
NEC is a potent and veritable platform to ensure a concerted approach towards
national economic development, the surest way forward for economic growth and
betterment.
“The
next stage is now for the NEC to be fully institutionalized with a functioning
secretariat through which inter - governmental economic planning can be
coordinated with the National Planning Commission (also by law chaired by the
Vice President), the state governments
and other government agencies under the leadership of the Vice President",
the Organised Private Sector chief said.
“For
the economic prosperity, growth, peace and progress of our country, the Vice
President must work towards strengthening the National Economic Council so that
joint efforts at planning can make a difference in Nigeria's quest for
greatness", he concluded.
Doris Minimah/GEE
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