Non-state Actors Crucial to FG’s Poverty Alleviation, Economic Dev’t Policies, Says Ex-CBN Boss

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A former acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who was also a special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Finance and Economy, Dr. Sarah Alade, has urged the Federal Government to collaborate with non-state actors to achieve economic development and ensure the success of its social investment programmes.

She stated this at the 30th Annual Development Forum organised by the Live Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) in Abuja Thursday.

Also at the forum were  a political scientist, Dr Felix Oriakhi; Founder/CEO, LAPO Group, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, and Dr Sampson Ebimaro, who represented the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, among others.

Speaking at the forum titled ‘The Role of Non-State Actors in National Development: A case study of LAPO’, Alade said the involvement of non-state actors in the Federal Government projects was necessary.

Alade noted that organisations like LAPO would  play a pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of the country.

She said: “It is imperative to recognize why non-state actors, such as LAPO, should align with the national development agenda. 

“The Nigerian National Development Plan emphasizes the crucial importance of such alignment, particularly given the substantial financial commitment required to achieve our nation’s developmental goals. 

“This plan outlines ambitious objectives across various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and poverty alleviation. 

“To realize these objectives, a significant financial commitment is essential. 

“The government alone cannot shoulder the immense financial burden required to meet these targets. 

“To put it in context, the estimated cost of the National Development Plan 2021 to 2025 stands at N348 trillion, with government contributing N49 7 trillion and the private sector providing approximately N298 trillion, which accounts for about 86 per cent of the total required amount.”

She noted that for instance, a country like  Nigeria, which relies on food and energy imports, non-state actors including LAPO, would play a crucial role in developing solutions to overcome barriers in the country’s supply chain operation. 

The ex-CBN boss said: “It is essential to recognise that the participation of NSAs in all aspects of national life is crucial for sustainable progress. 

“While private sector economic leadership is indispensable, NSAs should also address social challenges, including inequality, the digital divide and the need for substantial investment in human capital. 

“By promoting inclusive growth and workforce reskilling, NSAs can contribute to a functional and competitive society.”

Other speakers on the occasion were unanimous in their position that there should be partnership between the government and the non-state actors in social economic development if the Federal Government policies to lift 133 million people out of poverty must achieve the desired objective.

They also urged the non-state actors to bring their ideas forward to government from conceptualisation, execution and implementation for a proper guidance and support.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Efu, had said in August this year that the Federal Government was committed to lifting 133 million Nigerians out of poverty.

Edu had at a meeting with heads of agencies under the ministry, said the objectives would  be achieved through different interventions and initiatives aimed at reducing poverty.