By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) is set to hold the 26th edition of the economic summit in Abuja.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Mrs. Zainab Ahmad disclosed on Thursday while briefing press the 26th sixth Nigeria Economic Summit” with the theme “Building Partnership for Resilience” Thursday in Abuja.
Ahmed said the event will be an avenue to discuss the situation of the economy presently as, “It will be a big conversation for public and private sector stakeholders to reflect on the state of the Nigerian economy, rethink the country’s economic fundamentals and deliberate on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even as the architecture of the post COVID-19 economy is yet to evolve, it is important Nigeria’s top policy makers and business leaders proactively converge and engage to address the key questions that presently confront the country.
“The summit will therefore emphasize the urgency to strengthen multi-stakeholder alliances between governments and businesses m co-creating a national strategy that will usher Nigeria in the decade of action.”
The 26th NES#25 will focus on three pillars – collaboration, execution, and impact under the following Sub-themes: Mapping the future; New Trends, New Opportunities, New Horizons; Embracing Technology and Innovation; Building Resilience; and Charting the Path to Recovery.
Ahmed also disclosed that the event is scheduled hold from October 26 – 27, 2020 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
“The 2020 edition will be hybrid, a combination of physical and virtual participation in adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.
“We have made considerable progress in our preparations and the Summit would be anchored on Plenary, CEO Roundtable, Briefings, Workshops, Co-labs, Re-modelled Pitching Events and High-level panel discussions. Key outcomes of past Summits and their impact on the Nigerian Economy will also be reviewed”.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba noted that The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by participants during the Annual Summit is a testament to the fact that it has become part of our national life.
According to him, this year’s Summit is unique, as it is being hosted at a point when Nigeria and the World economy is passing through a challenging period due to the impact of the COVID-19.
The minister was of the hope that the outcome of the Summit will further help enrich government plans in ensuring that the impact of the pandemic on the economy and the citizens is minimised.
“In this regards, relevant recommendations of the NES#26 will be mainstreamed into the Medium and Long Term Plans currently being developed by the Ministry and all the critical stakeholders including the Subnational Governments, Private Sector Operators, Civil Society Organisations, Women and Youth Organisations and Development Partners.
“With this assemblage of Nigerians from various works of life, the Plan preparation process is designed to be participatory, inclusive and consultative. The outcome will be a national plan which has the ownership of all critical stakeholders and also implementable by various levels of government working closely with the Private Sector”, Agba added.
NESG Chairman, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, in his remarks noted that, as agreed at the last Summit (NES #25), “part of our focus at NES #26 will be to position sub-nationals – states and local governments – as our frontiers of national economic development and growth.
According to him, “this Summit will also usher us into the “Decade of Action” towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030”.
He confirmed that in preparation for the summit 13 Pre-Summit events have been held between August and October, across sectors.
“The circumstances of our times make this Summit particularly important for the country. Now more than ever, all stakeholders must engage and feel engaged in the social and economic future of Nigeria. We must build a resilient economy, by coming together and working together in partnership”, he added.