By Peter Adelowo
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN, has called for renewed commitment to industrial revival, agricultural development, and youth empowerment as essential pillars for boosting Nigeria’s productive capacity and achieving national self-reliance.
The call was made in a communiqué jointly signed by the National Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, Deputy National Chairman (North) Muktar Anka, and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Deputy National Chairman (South) at the end of the Forum’s 4th National Conference, held in Abuja.
According to the communiqué, the Forum released a 25-point communiqué outlining strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s economy through innovation, leadership, and industrialization.
The Forum commends the Federal Government for its ongoing economic reforms and infrastructural renewal aimed at enhancing productivity and self-reliance.
“We specially commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Nigeria First Policy, which reflects a patriotic commitment to sustainable growth and national development,” the communiqué stated.
The FFDGN urges governments at all levels to ensure policy continuity through legislation that allows key reforms and development programmes to outlive political cycles.
“Leaders must promote a long-term vision of productivity beyond electoral terms, uphold integrity, and build resilient institutions capable of sustaining national growth,” the Forum emphasized.
The communiqué stresses the need to revive local industries and diversify the economy into agro-industrialization, solid minerals, and digital technology sectors.
The Forum recommends the redefinition of Nigeria’s industrial policy to prioritize small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers of job creation and economic expansion.
“Public-private collaboration must be strengthened to fund research, promote innovation, and enhance productivity,” the Forum advised.
It also calls on the Federal and State Governments to sustain investments in roads, power supply, and infrastructure, which it described as “critical enablers of industrial productivity.”
It Highlights the importance of agriculture to national growth and made several resolutions on agricultural reform and value-chain development.
According to the communique, key recommendations includes reactivation of moribund cocoa grinding plants and revitalization of the textile industry and Training of youths in cocoa farming and the creation of cocoa development units in every state.
Others are Procurement and distribution of 100 million cocoa seedlings to boost employment and foreign exchange earnings and as well as Enforcement of the use of made-in-Nigeria fabrics for school uniforms in public schools.
The Forum also recommends one silo and a farmers’ market in every Local Government Area, as well as government purchase of surplus perishable farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses.
The communiqué urges the Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry to expand credit access for farmers and manufacturers through low-interest financing, while also calling for greater support for SMEs and cooperatives.
It recommends collaboration with development partners to provide equipment, storage technologies, and credit facilities to boost value addition and rural industrialization.
“There must be a national reorientation to promote pride in made-in-Nigeria products,” the Forum stated.
“The National Orientation Agency should redirect its messages to inspire youth involvement in agriculture, particularly cocoa production.”
The Forum reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision for inclusive growth and called on all Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and national unity.
“Nigeria must leverage her youthful population, vast resources, and intellectual capital to build a self-reliant and prosperous nation,” the communiqué concluded.
Comm/Georgina Humphrey
