Udoma enlists OPS support to fix economy through ERGP implementation

Minister of budget and national planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, has enlisted the support of the organised private sector (OPS) as the Buhari-led federal government maps out plans to fix the economy through the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP)
Udoma observed that President Muhammadu Buhari had from inception of his administration remained resolute in delivering his electioneering promise in the areas of security, economy and corruption.
Udoma, while delivering an address at the 60th annual general meeting of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Tuesday in Lagos, said the ERGP and the 2017 budget were based on campaign promises made by President Buhari during the 2015 elections.
The minister observed that the successful implementation of the ERGP, which is the blueprint the administration intends to use to fix the broken economy, the private sector had a pivotal role to play.
According to Udoma, “During the campaign, President Muhammadu Buhari promised to tackle the security challenges, fight corruption and fix the broken economy. Mr. President has remained irrevocably committed to delivering on these three promises.”
The ERGP contains bold actions required to tackle the current challenges and build a more resident economy, he said, as it is designed to get the economy out of recession unto a path of diversified, sustainable and inclusive growth.
He disclosed that when carrying out the ERGP, the government consulted with the private sector, as this is a plan that requires extensive collaboration with the private sector for its effective implementation.
Larry Ettah, president, NECA, earlier in his address at the event, wondered why strong advocacy and lobbying by the OPS seemed not to have yielded significant results over the years.
Ettah observed that in the 60 years of NECA existence, the body had evolved from the employers’ association to a business membership organisation, adding that their value proposition had changed from being just a seeker of industrial harmony to promoter of enterprise competitiveness.
According to Ettah, “We have transformed from being sedate and apologetic to being rationally activist and protective of the rights of enterprise. Though, it has not been an easy road to travel in pursuit of positive advocacy outcomes, we want to assure members that we shall remain steadfast and undeterred in the attainment of our raison d’etre”.
He promised that NECA would always be positive and constructive in offering advice and policy input, and seeking at all times to engage with all stakeholders, government, labour, civil society, the media and our international partners.

 

KELECHI EWUZIE