The chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, has said the Forum was collaborating with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to strengthen democratic and economic institutions.
NESG’s head of corporate communications, Yinka Iyinolakan, said in a statement on Friday that Fayemi gave the assurance during the inauguration of the NESG-NGF Economic Roundtable (NNER) Steering Committee.
Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti state, said the steering committee was tasked with the responsibility of strengthening institutional relationships between all tiers of government.
He said other governors in attendance at the virtual inauguration included Governors Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state; Muhammed Yahaya of Gombe state; and Seyi Makinde of Oyo state.
“The virtual inauguration was also attended by NESG board members such as Mr. Asue Ighodalo; Mr. Folusho Philips; Mr. Udeme Ufot; Ms. Amina Maina and Mr. Kyari Bukar.
“Other representatives of the private sector included Mrs. Funke Opeke, CEO MainOne Cable; Mr. Chidi Ajaere, chairman, GIG Group,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the NESG, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, has said the NNER was based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both institutions in October 2020.
He said rising inflation, depreciating currency, falling foreign reserves and a host of other economic challenges had made it necessary for sub-national governments to be empowered to drive long term economic growth.
He said further that the recently held 26th Nigerian Economic Summit recommended actions including enhancing sub-national competitiveness.
He implored state governments to adopt and implement the recommendations of the 26th Nigerian Economic Summit.
“States should build strong institutional frameworks to fix institutional problems.
“They should also adopt consistent policies and provide the necessary support, capabilities and capacities that will enhance rural development, deepen partnerships and build the capacity for sub-national economies to drive economic growth.” (NAN)
