APBN tells FG to Involve professionals when developing policies

Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), yesterday said Federal Government should always consult Nigerian professionals when developing policies and debating policies properly before adoption to ensure sustainability as well as clear public private partnership in many areas.

Speaking at the 6th APBN Presidential Retreat with theme “Roles of Professionals in Economic Recovery and Growth”, in Asaba, Delta State Capital, the President of the Association Dr. Omede Idris said “for the 2017-2020 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the federal government to succeed, there is a need for the engagement of professionals in its implementations to guarantee the success of the laudable medium term plan”.

Dr. Omede Idris said the initiative which was was recently launched by the Federal Government for the purpose of restoring economic growth following the severe challenges experienced in the last two years
appeared robust with promising deliverables but quickly added that the challenge may be its implementation.

APBN President said that even though the document stated that there is strong political determination, commitment and will at highest level, the government should genuinely address the activation, functionality, multiple concessions of the various plants of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

However he stated that the steel plants which was started 38 years ago has to be functional because of the deliverable benefits therein which include but not limited to employment creation, steel, rod supply and other investment opportunities.

According to him, “Thirty eight years since this project began; this economic spinner has not grown proportionately. Government’s policies on diversification are best guided by professionals. It is noteworthy that knowledge driven economy would be more efficient than emergency
approach.”

Dr. Omede said that inclusiveness in governance by consulting with professionals when developing policies and debating policies properly before adoption would ensure sustainability as well as clear Public
Private Partnership in many areas.

He said that Nigeria and Nigerians must look inward and patronize her professionals, and also engage the professionals in both development of policy and execution of projects, saying “Professionals must be
consistent in ethical professional conduct and patriotism to our nation.”

The professional bodies, Dr. Omede said will continue to raise and create awareness and highlight the importance of professionals in her collective goal and aspirations to serve the nation for better outcome and impact through efficiency.

However, he appealed to the government and its functionaries, including organized private sector should open her doors to APBN and specific sector based professional associations.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro who declared the retreat open said that the retreat was long overdue considering the Economic constraint, falling rate of the Naira, lack of consistency and continuity has led to the impoverishment of the nation’s economy.

The Deputy Governor, who was represented by His Executive Assistant on Boundary Matters, Mr. Gweke Akudhor, said “it is obvious that the government cannot shoulder the task of economic recovery and growth alone, your sincere operation and wealth of experience will be required to drive the plan”.