Change in government policies can improve economy’

Convener, The Platform, Nigeria, Pastor Poju Oyemade has said that change in government policies and implementations can solve the issues and concerns of the country.

He noted that Nigeria’s problems are rooted in societal indifference and personal callousness caused by the imperfections of men.

Oyemade made the remarks at The Platform 2019, themed ‘Re-designing the Nigerian economy with new ideas.’

The convener added that the dream for a better Nigeria requires nourishment from institutional knowledge gathered over the years.

He opined on the need for a change in government policies and in the hearts and minds of people because faith can be used to appeal to transformation of the conscience of men.

“Faith can play a huge role in transforming Nigeria as a nation, and that is why we have invested so much in The Platform to ensure it is done twice a year.

“We invited people who can inject information that will make the country achieve the dream of a better Nigeria. Which is why we have some of the best economic minds in Nigeria at this conference that also have experience in governance,” he added.

A former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, harped on the need for a better Nigeria that is not dependent on oil.

He said that the country’s greatest assets, which are its human capital and technology, should be properly harnessed to improve the economy.

Soludo said: “Nigeria urgently needs a new Fiscal Responsibility Act to constrain irresponsible fiscal behaviour and provide incentives to create wealth. A new fiscal regime should ensure that never again should we need a wholesale bailout of state governments.”

“Fiscal transfers should be based on performance as well as in the form of matching grants scheme.

“Also, fiscal responsibility law could constrain governments at all levels to meet their recurrent expenditures out of their internally generated revenues while revenue from natural resources are deployed only for physical and human capital development.”

Soludo urged the citizens not to be discouraged, saying, although Nigeria has a long list of problems, but adversity comes with opportunities.

“With a will to overcome, the problems should not stop us. Nor should a few thousands of miscreants define us. As we build the foundation for the next Nigeria, we must seize the narrative and sing a new song to rebrand Nigeria, he said.

Also speaking at the event is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Financial Derivatives Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said the economy needs a mental discipline to learn from the mistakes of the past.

He noted that the vulnerability has increased because we have not learned from the mistakes of our past and that of other countries.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos State during an interactive session at the event revealed that he is aware of the need to fix basic infrastructures and tackle the challenges in the health and education sectors, stating that he is determined to improve on the situation to cater for the growing populace.

Other speakers at The Platform 2019 include the Former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Peter Gregory Obi; Leading expert on Strategy, Globalization and Emerging Markets, Dr. Anil Gupta and others.