NIM, Teriba canvass good governance for economic growth

To set the nation on the path of development and growth, the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered has urged government at all levels to devise policies that will place good governance at the disposal of the electorates.

This, the institute said, would mean embarking on socio-economic programmes aimed at improving the standard of living of Nigerians, who have been in the throes of hardship over the years due to unfavourable government policies.

President and Chairman of Council, NIM, Dr. Christiana Atako, said this during the institute’s corporate members’ forum with the theme, ‘Nigeria’s Post-Election Economic Outlook.’

She argued that if the government provides good governance with the right leadership elected and appointed into offices, the post-election economic outlook of the nation would be favourable and strengthened belief of the citizenry in electoral processes.
According to her, this will in turn deepen the nation’s nascent democracy.

The NIM boss, who lamented that the Nigerian electorates have long yearned for good governance, maintained that it would not be out of place if the government makes it a point of duty to deliver the dividends of democracy to the governed once they come to power.

Atako said the dividends of democracy could only trickle down to the electorates not just by putting the people-friendly policies in place, but also by ensuring that they are implemented to the letter for the benefit of the common man who should be the primary target of development.

Atako said the provision of basic infrastructure and institution of programmes aimed at empowering the masses, especially in the area of entrepreneurship, as well as small and medium enterprises, will help drive the economy.

She said these and many more such efforts should be pursued by the government in the next democratic dispensation.

“There is no gainsaying that great leadership begets good governance. This goes to say that it takes leaders with the right leadership skills and values to provide good governance because one cannot give what one does not have.

“Therefore, I dare say that only men and women of integrity, accountability, probity, fairness, effectiveness, efficiency and transparency, which are some of the values the institute shares and practices fit the bill. These are the values needed in the nation’s leaders to make the much-needed difference in governance,” she said.

Speaking on the theme, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba, spoke about how outcomes of the general elections can create new dynamics that would reshape the country’s future.

He also emphasised the need for institutional capacity building in the presidency and parliament.

He said there should be accountability that would ensure the attainment of desired economic outcomes.

He further argued that putting these in place will assure the citizens that the country can expect a clear sense of direction, and adequate external and internal liquidity thresholds that will underpin exchange rate stability, growth and harmony.

He said there will be institutional and sectoral reforms, as well as reduced uncertainties around revenue, debt, tax, subsidy, currency notes, foreign exchange and exchange rates.