| ABUJA – Some Nigerians have urged the Federal Government to ensure that the outcome of the World Economic Forum addressed some of the country’s economic challenges.
The Nigerians, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Monday in Abuja, said the government should take advantage of the forum to seek for economic assistance.
They said that the country required synergy with global economic partners to solve the country’s mirage of economic challenges.
According to them, the time has come for sincere evaluation of the country’s needs assessment to accelerate economic growth.
Mr Femi Adeola, a civil servant said that the country’s endowment was sufficient to drive the required growth.
Adeola said that the forum would provide the necessary atmosphere for exchange of ideas, adding “I believe Nigeria’s representatives in the forum would not see this as a jamboree.’’
“However, the right given to the country to host the forum in spite of the security challenges, shows how important the country’s economic potential is to the global community,’’ Adeola said.
Dr Chima Chidi, an international relations expert said “the time has come for the country’s economic players to learn from other establishments.’’
“I think the country will attain a favourable economic height if the visiting investors are convinced to explore the country’s infrastructure deficit.
“Let me give you an example, there is seemingly nothing anyone can do to revitalise the manufacturing sector if investment in the energy sector is not speedily expanded,’’ Chidi said.
Mrs Hafzat Abino, a portfolio manager said “only a political will to truly develop the country can speed up the attempt by the government to harness the economy.’’
“The major setback for our economy is the country’s inability to add value to raw materials. It appears we are comfortable with the export of raw materials as against refined products.
“So, this is the time to convince delegates that there is abundant raw materials in the country that required processing for the betterment of its people and for the world,’’ she said.
In his remarks, Mr Peter Ikechukwu, an entrepreneur, said the country would grow faster if it chose to invest on its human resource.
“It is incontrovertible that this forum would add value to the country’s strategic plans for development, but this can only be sustained if more people are exposed to the art of wealth creation,’’ he said. (NAN) |
