Economy Tops Agenda as FG, States, Others Meet in Ogun

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Governors, ministers, eggheads from the federal, states and local governments across the country, among others, will on Tuesday converge on Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to examine available options open to shore up government revenue streams, especially in an environment of dwindling earnings from crude oil.

The gathering, which is under the auspices of the National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) 2016 Conference, is being hosted by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

With the theme ‘Enhancing Revenue Generation and Obtaining Best Value for Money in Expenditure’ , the conference, according to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance, will attract a diverse group of participants, including ministers, governors, commissioners of finance and budget from the 36 states of the federation, as well as captains of industry from the private sector.

NACOFED was created as a forum for members to discuss current socio-economic issues, and proffer a way forward for the Nigerian economy on fiscal and monetary policies.

The statement issued by the media aide to the minister, Mr. Festus Akanbi, disclosed that the conference will be declared open by the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The statement also quoted the Finance Minister to have quoted that the policy thrust of the current administration informed the theme of this year’s conference.

She said her ministry has continued to discharge its numerous functions through well-articulated initiatives and policies to improve revenue generation, blocking leakages, tackling wastage and obtaining best value for money in government expenditure.