NESG, State Assemblies Sign MoU to Improve Business Environment, Productivity

•Speakers back bid for state police

James Emejo in Abuja

Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria (CSSLN) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance sub-national competitiveness through a strong legislative agenda among others.

The agreement was signed by Chairman, NESG, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf and Chairman, CSSLN, Hon. Edward Ogundoyin, for their respective organisations.

Yusuf said the partnership will provide opportunities for both parties to contribute to the economic growth and development of the 36 states of the federation. 

He said both would work together to identify and develop initiatives geared towards promoting the sub-national business environment, achieving sub-national competitiveness, as well as sustainable and inclusive growth across the federation.

The Mou will also facilitate continuous dialogue to foster cooperative actions towards achieving the goals of positioning sub-nationals along the path of economic competitiveness with an effective legislature that is well equipped to deliver on their mandate.

The deal sets the terms of the partnership between the parties and creates a framework of collaboration between them.

While commending the executive members of the conference and all who have played a role in the establishment of SABER, the NESG chairman said the platform would foster collaborative opportunities between the legislature and the private sector, pointing out that the roundtable will provide technical support, advocacy, stakeholder engagements, capacity building, and in-depth research for the subnational legislature.

He said, “SABER will ensure effective collaboration of all relevant partners. Certainly, there exists a considerable task ahead of us, presenting a significant opportunity for collaboration.

“It is imperative that we unite our efforts and seize this moment to advance the national interest. As our states improve their competitiveness, the private sector will flourish, Nigerians will prosper, and our nation will transform into a resilient and inclusive economy.”

On his part, Ogundoyin, who is also the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, said the partnership marked a significant milestone in the states’ collective efforts to drive sustainable economic growth and development within their respective geo-political entities and the country in general.

He also said the State Houses of Assembly will support the current efforts to establish state police in view of the current security challenges, and the fact that there cannot be economic growth where security is lacking.

He said the collaboration between legislative bodies and the NESG further signified a commitment to fostering conversations and collaborating on projects that focus on establishing effective legislative structures to enhance the business climate at the sub- national level and improve sub-national competitiveness.

Ogundoyin said, “By working together, we can harness the power of our collective expertise and resources to create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all our constituents.

“I commend the vision and dedication of all those involved in this partnership, to have shared their respective worries about the growth of the Nigerian economy and are eager to collaborate on initiatives that align with their goals.

“I am confident that our joint efforts will yield tangible results that will benefit our citizens and contribute to the overall advancement of our nation.”

He added that all hands must be on deck, and “continue to work hand in hand, with unity of purpose and unwavering determination, towards building a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous Nigeria for generations to come”.