By Meletus EZE
The Ministry of Budget and National Planning has urged various states to develop medium term plan that would help the Federal Government achieve the objectives in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Olajide Odewale, gave the advice at the 17th Joint Planning Board (JPB) and National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun.
Victoria Agba-Attah, the Director Press in the Ministry quoted Odewale as having said this at the occasion, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme for the 2018 JPB and NCDP meeting is “Accelerating Implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP): The Role of Stakeholders”.
The JPB is a consultative forum of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the States’ Permanent Secretaries responsible for Budget and Economic Planning.
It also includes Special Advisers from Federal and States’ MDAs responsible for Economic Planning and Budget.
The Forum is designed to allow participation of representatives of the organised private sector, the academia and the Development partners with a view to foster economic management process at the National and sub- national level.
Odewale pledged the wiliness of the ministry to provide technical support to the states in the pursuit of the plan.
He recalled that the ERGP was developed in response to the economic challenges at the inception of this present administration which culminated in a recession in the second quarter of 2016.
The permanent secretary said the plan was therefore designed not only to get the economy out of recession but also to place it on the path of diversified, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Odewale said: “Among the number of socioeconomic issues extensively discussed at the last edition of the JPB meeting was the need for states to develop their Medium Term Plans in line with the ERGP priorities.
“Other major resolutions include the need for government at the national level to accelerate the implementation of the ERGP and governments at all levels to intensify economic diversification and revenue generating efforts.
“Also, the Federal and State Governments have to put in necessary policy measures to facilitate job creation and ensure overall macroeconomic stability in the country.”
According to the Permanent Secretary, most of the recommendations of the last edition of the meeting are being addressed by the ministry.
He cited the ERGP Focus Labs as one of the key strategies adopted by the Federal Government aimed at generating private investment and jobs in the country.
Odewale expressed optimism that the outcome of JPB meeting would be tailored toward deepening the understanding and realisation of the objectives of the ERGP.
“In this regard, some key issues to note are the opportunities the ERGP provides for effective collaboration with the states and other stakeholders with significant roles to play in the delivery of the plan objectives.”
TBI Africa reports that JPB meeting will be followed by the meeting of National Council for Development Planning (NCDP).
NCDP involves Minister and Minister of State of Budget and National Planning and Commissioners responsible for Economic Planning and Budget at the state levels.
The recommendations from JPB meeting are expected to feed into the meeting of the NCDP for further deliberations, ratification and adoption.
