• Orders SGF to act fast, correct lapses
• Members raise concern over slow growth rate in economy
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday frowned at lack of synergy in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government in the report submitted by the Prof. Dayo Salami-led Economic Advisory Council.
Buhari said that the worry became imperative following the recommendations of the eight-member council that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) should immediately step in to address lapses it observed in the area of co-ordination in the MDAs.
The President, who spoke when he received briefings from the EAC members who were on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, said: “Lack of synergy between ministries, departments and agencies would no longer be accepted. We are working for the country, not for personal interests. We have the same objective of service to the people and we will resolve this.
“I am highly pleased based on what I have read in your executive summary with the painstaking thoroughness of your preliminary report. I have noted the salient points of your report and these will be incorporated in government economic policies.
“The economy is the most delicate and sensitive of all aspects of national life. A little change in the matrix can lead to major disruptions in the national economy. For example, international changes in oil prices, bad harvests, conflicts in strategic global locations, a major epidemic or pandemic like the current Coronavirus, tariff changes in major world economies, to mention only a few examples that readily come to mind, can significantly affect our plans.”
Buhari, who stated that the EAC should now brief him more frequently, at least once every six weeks, instead of once every quarter, thanked the members for their patriotism and commitment in accepting the challenging responsibilities conferred on them.
“I cannot “thank you enough for your patriotism,” he said. Salami, who spoke on behalf of others, outlined a number of challenging opportunities facing the economy and proffered solutions to most of them.
Besides, the Council raised concerns that the rate of the growth of the economy is slower than the rate the country’s population is growing, stressing the need to strengthen national statistical agencies, reform procurement processes, improve education, and the need for job planning in training offered by academic institutions.
“We need an environment that will attract investment. People will come only when they feel confident and when they come, their exit will not be challenging,” said Salami.The Council, therefore, resolved to focus on legacy projects by the administration before 2023.
