The forum of former deputy governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has canvassed an amendment of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) to provide for stiffer punishment against contract defaulters in the country.
In a communique issued at the end of the 3rd national conference of the forum, they also called on the authorities to enact laws at federal and state levels to compel successive governments to complete subsisting projects as they embark on new ones.
Signed by Dr Chris Alozie Akomas and other executive members, the forum insists that every effort should be made to ensure that funds from external borrowings by the federal government and sub-national governments should be judiciously applied to productive activities and public infrastructure development with an impact on citizens’ standard of living.
They also stressed the need for consultation on economic policy by the IMF and the World Bank to be open and inclusive of all major stakeholders in Nigeria.
Calling on governors to ensure a harmonious relationship with their deputies to promote sustainable democratic governance in Nigeria, they noted that the entrenchment of good governance is imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria as the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The forum resolved to establish a Renewed Hope Agenda Peer Review Group as well as to complement government efforts in humanitarian disaster management by establishing a Humanitarian Support System.
They also called on the federal government to continue providing all necessary support to the military and other security agencies to ensure adequate security for Nigerians, including strengthening the military’s initiative in complementing national food production.
They added: “The government should strive to depoliticize agriculture in Nigeria by prioritising a community data bank of genuine farmers in all support programs. The government is encouraged to introduce modern technology in agriculture, including equipment, high-yield seeds, and seedlings to boost food production.
“The government should create agricultural hubs and ensure adequate security for the hubs, while community vigilante groups will complement national security. The Bank of Agriculture should be revamped to live up to its responsibilities.
“Youth entrepreneurship skills should be encouraged through agricultural extension centres and demonstration farms. There is an urgent need to strengthen agricultural institutions and linkages with relevant research centres. The FFDGN, in appraising the current challenges of the country, wishes to commend the federal government on its efforts to combat the scourge of food insecurity.”
