Industrial Revival, Agriculture, Key To Nat’l Self Reliance-FFDGN

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN, has called for stronger commitment to industrial revival, agricultural development, and youth empowerment as key pillars in boosting Nigeria’s productive capacity and achieving national self-reliance.

The call is contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the Forum’s National Chairman, Dr. Chris Akomas, Deputy National Chairman for the North, Muktar Anka, and Deputy National Chairman for the South, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi at the end of the Forum’s Fourth National Conference in Abuja.

The Forum commends the Federal Government for its ongoing reforms and infrastructural renewal aimed at enhancing productivity and national self-reliance.

It specially commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a patriotic commitment to sustainable growth and development.

The former deputy governors urge all tiers of government to strengthen policy continuity through legislation that ensures key reforms outlive political regimes.

It stresses that leaders must promote a long-term vision of productivity, uphold integrity, and build institutions that can sustain economic growth.

The communiqué also emphasizes the need to revive local industries and diversify the economy into agro-industrialization, solid minerals, and digital technology.

It recommends a redefinition of Nigeria’s industrial policy to prioritize small and medium-scale enterprises, SMEs, as key drivers of job creation and national expansion.

The Forum advises stronger public-private partnerships to fund research, promote innovation, and improve productivity.

It further calls on the federal and state governments to sustain investments in roads, power, and infrastructure, which it described as “critical enablers of productivity.””

On agriculture, the Forum proposed the revival of cocoa grinding plants and the revitalization of the textile industry, alongside training youths in cocoa farming and setting up cocoa development units in every state.

It also urges government to procure and distribute 100 million cocoa seedlings, enforce the use of made-in-Nigeria fabrics for school uniforms, and establish one silo and a farmers’ market in each local government area.

The communiqué calls for improved access to low-interest loans through the Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry, and collaboration with development partners to enhance value addition and storage technology.

The Forum urges the National Orientation Agency to promote pride in made-in-Nigeria products and encourage youth participation in agriculture.

In conclusion, the Forum reaffirmed its support for the Federal Government’s drive for inclusive growth and national development, urging Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and unity for a self-reliant and prosperous nation.

The theme of the two day conference, “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self-Reliance,” brought together former deputy governors from across the country.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji