APBN seeks engagement of professionals for economic development
Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) has urged the government to properly engage the services of professionals in the nation for economic development.
President, APBN, Akinloye Oyegbola, who made the charge at the Association’s board meeting, listed petroleum products scarcity, insecurity, the nation’s economy, high cost of food, ASUU strike and others as issues plaguing the nation.
He stressed that the ongoing petroleum scarcity has had adverse effects on the economy.
His words: “While we have no problem with the excuse offered by the government for the cause of the scarcity, the recent experience re-emphasizes the need for local production of petrol. We must revive our refineries. We believe this is the way out of the incessant cases of petrol scarcity.
“We call on relevant government agencies to investigate individuals involved in the importation of adulterated petrol and if found culpable, should be sanctioned.”
The nation’s economy, Oyegbola said, is being stunted, and may not attract the much-needed investments as long as there is insecurity in the land.
The Board urged the Federal Government to sustain its onslaught against bandits, kidnappers and criminal elements across the country.
The Board also expressed concern over the devaluation of the Naira against the dollar noting that the government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is doing its best to get the Naira stable adding that the situation remains a worrisome one.
“Our country is fast degenerating into a land plagued with hunger. We call on the government to put in measures to halt this trend. The high cost of food could be attributable to several factors that are not limited to the gross devaluation of the Naira against major currencies, displacement of farmers by bandits and terrorists, inconsistent policies of Government, are other challenges confronting us as a people.
We urge the government to intensify efforts to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable food,” he said.
On the issue of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Oyegbola believes that Nigeria has a huge role to play in making the AfCFTA deal work.
“Signatories to the deal have the opportunity of exploring the continent’s over 1.2billion market. We will like to implore the federal government to encourage Nigerian brands and investors, to leverage this deal to expand their business frontiers and enhance the nation’s economy,” he added.
