LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) yesterday in Abuja sounded a clarion call for a unified, forward-looking vision to kick-start sustainable economic growth and development across the nation.
At its 4th Annual National Conference themed “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self-Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry and Innovation in Policy Implementation,” the group emphasised that Nigeria, endowed with abundant human and natural resources, is still failing to harness this potential effectively.
Dr. Chris Akomas, chairman of the Forum, stressed that what Nigeria needs now is not just resources, but collective action, government, private sector and civil society pulling in the same direction to raise productivity, drive innovation, and implement policy with fidelity.
He also pointed out that the Forum has been actively engaged in initiatives such as the “Sustainable Cocoa Initiative”, aimed at boosting cocoa production and value-chain participation.
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Speaking at the same event, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Ayim, commended the former deputy governors for their patriotic commitment to nation building.
He highlighted the barriers Nigeria has faced: interrupted democratic continuity, the oil-boom dependency era, and the challenges of global trade agreements.
He argued that what is now required is policy consistency, protection of the domestic market, and an environment that encourages local production and competitiveness.
Another key participant, Aliyu Margatarda Wamako (former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator), represented by Hon. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, said the sub-national levels (state and local government) must also muster a shared vision and work plan if they are to regain trust and drive real development.
The forum’s director-general, Kenneth Ibe‑Kalu, underlined that the FFDGN has grown in stature since 2022, forming the “Renewed Hope Agenda Peer Review Group” tasked with monitoring implementation of key economic programmes under the current administration.