Experts seek intervention of non-state actors in economic development

To engender deeper socio-economic transformation, Non-State Actors (NSAs) have been charged to complement efforts of government in the provision of basic services for Nigerians.

Accordingly, practitioners are also advised to overcome criticism of seeing themselves as alternative government.

A non executive director on board of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Obadan gave the charge yesterday at the 2018 yearly Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) development forum/25th anniversary with the theme; “Towards Sustainable socio-economic transformation of Nigeria: options for non-state intervention” held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The occasion, attended by renowned diplomat; Chief Philip Asiodu, chairman Board of Directors, of LAPO Osarenren Emokpae, representative of the speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, civil society activists, scholars and business leaders, among others featured the cutting of anniversary cake and a document containing the organizations’ past forum’s lectures.

According to him, against the backdrop of the failure of government in service delivery systems and many challenges facing the country in the spheres of economy, politics and social development, Non State Actors fill a very important Gap in basic services provision especially where government provision is either inadequate or has failed.

“Their role seems to be more substantial in health and education where there is a long tradition non state participation.

The government needs to encourage them to increase incentive and offer quality services to the poor”.

He cautioned authorities on regulating NSAs which he observed has become a major challenge in all sectors especially education, health and small providers.

Prof. Obadan commended roles of the practitioners especially, in the promotion of human rights, fight against corruption, democracy and good governance, security, sanitation and policy advocacy as well as the implementation of activities relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“As in the developer world, NSAs could become a social force for change with significant impact on policy process.

This can happen if the government creates an enabling environment for them to flourish and participate in policy process”.

He advised government at all levels to change their perception of NSAs and see them as partners in progress rather than adversaries; irritants and Interlopers while NSAs should strengthen transparency, accountability which seriously affects their credibility and acceptability as partners in development of the country.