We Seek Private Sector Support On Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development — Bagudu

We Seek Private Sector Support On Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development — Bagudu

The Minister of Budget and National Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said that the private sector is critical to driving the economic growth and overall development of Nigeria and we seek their support.

In a statement issued by the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) Head of Programme and Corporate Communications Dr James-Wisdom Abhulimen in Abuja on Saturday.

He said that the minister was quoted out of context by a section of the media at the just concluded 30th Annual LAPO Development Forum,

Adding that the minister stressed the need for sustained partnership with the private sector to drive the development agenda in the face of dwindling government revenue.

He said that the minister emphasized on the need for non-state actors to complement government efforts in promoting national and economic development as government cannot bear the burden alone.

He quoted the ministers statement “ Essentially, NGOs exist to cover the space not covered by the government by seeking propositions on issues such as health care, environment, economy, public policy, empowerment and support to vulnerable citizens. The government’s policy objectives are very critical for both state and non-state actors, like the NGOs.

“The role of NGOs is to work with the government through its national development plan. In doing that, the actors must be very inclusive in that it has to be non-selective and non-discriminatory and you must stick to the overall needs of various areas of society.

“Government faces enormous challenges especially now, the government is facing revenue deficit, the growth rate is very slow and the population growth is fast pacing and increasing, unemployment is surging amid high inflation, these are issues which non-governmental organisations must take on board in helping government to cover the space government could not cover”, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the minister was quoted out of context on Thursday saying “ FG facing revenue deficit, managing to pay salaries,.”