FG Seeks Private Sector Partnership on Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Federal Government has stressed the need to collaborate with the private sector with a view to improving the economy and alleviate the suffering of poor Nigerians.

This was part of the communiqué issued at the end of the 30th Annual Development Forum organised by the Live Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) in Abuja.

The communique was signed by the Head, Programme & Corporate Communications, LAPO, Dr James-Wisdom Abhulimen, and made available to THISDAY in Abuja on Sunday.

It reiterated the position of the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Economic Planning that the private sector was critical to driving the economic growth and overall development of Nigeria.  

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stressed the need for sustained partnership with the private sector to drive the development agenda in the face of dwindling government revenue.  

The communiqué noted that the minister emphasized the need for non-state actors to complement government efforts in promoting national and economic development as government cannot bear the burden alone. 

He was represented on the occasion by the Director of International (Bilateral Economic) Cooperation, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro.

Bagudu stated: “Essentially, NGOs exist to cover the space not covered by the government by seeking propositions on issues such as health care, environment, economy, public policy, empowerment and support to vulnerable citizens. 

“The government’s policy objectives are very critical for both state and non-state actors, like the NGOs. 

“The role of NGOs is to work with the government through its national development plan. 

“In doing that, the actors must be very inclusive in that it has to be non-selective and non-discriminatory, and you must stick to the overall needs of various areas of society. 

“The growth rate is very slow and the population growth is fast pacing and increasing. Unemployment is surging amid high inflation. 

“These are issues which non-governmental organisations must take on board in helping government to cover the space government could not cover.”