Buhari to get NESG recommendations as Nigeria moves to revamp economy —Minister

THE Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed has said that a team under the aegis of National Economic Summit Group has come up with recommendations on how to revamp the economy.

Ahmad noted that the recommendationa will soon be sent to the President Buhari for consideration.

She disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, where the NESG presented the recommendations that were put together from its 26th National Economic Summit.

“We will transmit the recommendations to the President and in deed make the report of this summit available to the Federal Government,” Ahmed stated.

She further stated that the government would put in place policies that would ensure the implementation of the recommendations in ministries, departments and agencies.(MDAs).

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Chairman, NESG, Asue Ighodalo, said the proper implementation of the recommendations would go a long way in revamping the Nigerian economy, particularly after the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said part of the recommendations include the empowerment Nigerian youth, as he urged the government tackle youth unemployment, underemployment, employability, and entrepreneurship.

He said, “There is the need to re-skill and up-skill youth in labour market, transition them from informal to formal economy and boost their participation in the gig economy.

“Government should conduct an impact assessment of previous youth empowerment programmes. Partner the private sector to co-create investment funds that will be managed by private sector and designated for empowering young people.”

The NESG boss said all governments must lead the way in proactively navigating the country towards recovery and resilience.

This, he said, should be by expanding economic opportunity for all Nigerians through sound policies, strong institutions, and responsible public investments, especially pro-poor investments.