By Rukayat Moisemhe
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s economy, including government officials and industry leaders, have emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and the business community to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
This call was made at the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Annual Directors Conference- Business Meet Government dinner event in Lagos on Thursday.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and business, stating that they were interdependent bodies.
Yusuf, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Alhaji Bala Usman, called for prioritising the collective good of the country and meeting the aspirations of over 200 million Nigerian.
“Through partnership, we can create wealth and address the social and environmental challenges the nation face. We must also groom and empower the next generation of leaders to sustain and elevate what we have built and by investing in education, mentorship and job opportunities.
“Let us look at how we as government and business leaders can create an ecosystem that is resilient and prosperous by creating an opportunity where governance is efficient and businesses flourish,” he said.
Retired Justice Amina Augie, Retired Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria, stated the importance of incorporating good governance values into government, the rule of law and business ethics to improve societal outcomes.
Augie also called for consistent development of human capital required to drive sustainable economic growth and reverse the “japa” trend that had cut short the fruitful existence of youths in the country.
She also lauded the cohesion, togetherness and common purpose of government and the private sector to achieve the goal of corporate governance and drive a thriving and sustainable economy.
“I strongly believe that Africa and Nigeria will take the centre stage of the world and we must do what we must to save young people from themselves with this “Japa” syndrome cutting short their fruitful existence in the country.
“Government should welcome and nurture private sector initiative with open and transparent processes for public tenders and clear licensing and regulatory procedures.
“While business must engage in meaningful relationships with government, government must focus on supporting and incentivising businesses via grants, tax rebates,” she said.
Amb. Aminu Nabegu, Member, Federal Civil Service Commission Leadership Team, said the commission would continue to play its role in maintaining professional, competence and efficiency in the civil service.
He said the commission was pushing for government to approve the employment of young people into the federal civil service.
President, CIoD, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, noted that neither government nor business could singlehandedly drive the transformation that Nigeria requires, hence the need to foster deeper partnership geared toward sustainable economic prosperity.
According to Borodo, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been successful in other climes, and Nigeria must deepen its commitment to such collaborations.
He stressed that the journey through the road of economic recovery, growth, and development would not be a smooth ride without the partnership between the government and business leaders.
He said business leader’s role was to bring forth the innovation, agility, and capital necessary for growth while government must create an enabling environment through policies that are clear, consistent, and supportive. (NAN)
