Leading economists will, this week, assess Nigeria’s debt burden, rising poverty levels, food security challenges, governance record and manufacturing performance at a national dialogue on the state of the economy in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

The dialogue, scheduled for Friday at the University of Uyo, is being organised in honour of renowned economist and public policy scholar, Prof. Akpan Hogan Ekpo, at 72 and will deliver the keynote address.

The event, convened by the Akpan Ekpo Centre for Public Policy, will bring together academics and policy experts to examine key economic developments and challenges facing the country since 2015.

Among the discussants, Prof. Chikanele Asuru will review monetary and fiscal issues, labour market performance and poverty and inequality, while Prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit will examine Nigeria’s debt profile and management.

Prof. Trenchard Ibia will focus on food security, the state of agriculture and the need for urgent action in the sector.

Other speakers include Prof. Isongesit Solomon, who will discuss livestock development within the agricultural sector; Prof. Etim Frank, who will speak on governance and Nigeria’s growth trajectory since 2015, as well as Prof. Ndubuisi Nwokoma, who will assess manufacturing and industrial output over the same period.

According to the organisers, the event will also feature remarks by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher Ekong; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and chairman of the occasion, Prof. Enobong Ikpeme and Chairman of the Centre, Dr Effiong Inyang.