Posted Fri, Jul 5, 2019 6:20 AM

Timeframe: Tue, Jul 2, 2019 7:00 PM - Tue, Jul 2, 2019 7:00 PM

Inauguration of the steering committees of the policy commissions of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)

Press release

On Wednesday, 3rd of July, 2019, policy commission steering committees of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) were inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the think-tank. Present at the inauguration were stakeholders from both the public and private sector which included members of the NESG, permanent secretaries of federal ministries and DG’s of various public sector organizations.

Delivering her opening remarks, a member of the board of the NESG, Mrs. Wonu Adetayo stated that the think tank was proud to be associated with the new members of five inaugurated steering committees. In her statement, she said “It is in strict adherence of the principles of the public-private dialogue to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are represented on the steering committees of the policy commissions of the NESG to deliver a Nigeria that everyone, including generations unborn can be proud of.” She stated that the NESG operated on six foundational principles which are: commitment to a free market economy, encouragement of private sector investment, creation of an enabling environment, governance in the national interest, commitment to the rule of law and establishment of an economic foundation for democracy. She reiterated that the NESG’S strategic roles involves driving policy change by acting as a dialogue partner, connector, intervener and watchdog.

Dr. Tayo Aduloju a senior research fellow at the NESG, stated that the mission of the NESG is based on championing the course of transforming Nigeria into a modern and global economy. He made it known that the NESG in over 25 years of its existence engaged in public-private dialogues which has helped in the transformation of the Nigerian economy. “Our 11 policy commissions and 42 corresponding thematic groups are driven by volunteer members who give their time and resources in the interest of the country. The policy commissions were created around consistent debates at the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) and we run a think-tank model to ensure success of its Public-private dialogues and to find solutions to problems plaguing Nigeria”, Dr. Aduloju said.

He concluded his presentation by stating that the Public-Private dialogue model of the NESG is powered by the steering committee who use their skills to produce ideas, pull out recommendations from the NES, mobilize and connect individuals that can support the work of transforming Nigeria into a global economic powerhouse.

In his speech, the Vice Chairman of the NESG Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf representing the chairman NESG, inaugurated and congratulated the five steering committees which would govern the Agriculture and food security, manufacturing and mining, environmental sustainability, governance and institutions and THECS (tourism, entertainment, creative arts, hospitality and sports) policy commissions.

Members of the agriculture and food security steering committee present at the inauguration are Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed, Mr. Paul Gbededo, Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu, Mrs. Ekaro comfort, Dr. Phillip Olusegun Ojo. Others include Mr. Kabir Adamu Mohammed, Mr. Onajite Okoloko, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Alh. Fatai Afolabi, Mrs. Nadine Gbossa and Mr. John Mazunda.

The manufacturing and mining steering committee inaugurated members includes the CEO of PZ cussons Nigeria, Mr. Christos Giannopoulis, Professor O.A Okunola, Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu, Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, Dr.Abdulrazaq A. Garba, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda rep Daberuje Onesi Lawani, Mr. Chimaobi Madukwe and Mr Ayedun Fasina FCA. Mr. Mohammed J. Yinusa, Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma and Engr. Mansur Ahmed complete the list of members of the committee.

Furthermore, members of the environmental sustainability commission are Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Professor Aliyu Jauro, Mr Christain Wessels, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh and Mr. Osagie Okunbor. Other members of the committee are Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Cristine K, Mr S.O Eloho and Mr. Clem Ugorji.

More so, the newly inaugurated members of the governance and institutions steering committee are Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, Aigboje Aig Imokhuede, Dr. Joe Abah, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Mr Dasuki.I. Arabi and Prof Tunji Olaopa. Mr. Ernest Umakhihe, Mrs. Wonu Adetayo, Uyi Apata and Gabriel Aduda are the other members of the governance and institutions steering committee.

The THECS steering committee members are Mr. Charles Aigbogun, Mrs. Olamide Balogun, Rabo Saleh Karin, Mr. Udeme Ufot, Grace Isu Gekpe and Mr. John Asein. Others include Mr Chike Maduegbuna, Mr Olusade Olusola, Hon Farouk M. Yabo and Bolanle Austen-Peters.

Furthermore, Mr. Yusuf made it known that “Nigeria’s population is expected to double and reach 411 million by 2050 and that presents a number of challenges and the policy commissions of the NESG are set up to address these problems.” He concluded by thanking everyone for the investment and time to the service of the country and for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the inauguration and making valuable contributions to the narrative.

The Nigerian economic summit group (NESG) is a not for profit, private sector led advocacy think tank group founded 25 years ago and it engages government, private sector, and civil society on key development issues and economic policies in Nigeria.