The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning attended the 22nd edition of the Joint Planning Board (JPB) National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) Meetings
In his opening remarks, he mentioned that he had been briefed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Nebeolisa Anako, that about 30 commissioners or state representatives of Budget and Economic Planning were in Osogbo for the meeting. This attendance demonstrated the importance of joint planning and the National Council on Development.
He emphasized that following Prince Agba’s comprehensive treatise on National Development Planning, one of the most crucial issues of interest, especially for new commissioners, is the significance of these institutions in promoting the importance of economic and planning ministries. In some states, they are often not given the coordinating importance they ought to have. By design, planning involves the ability to contextualize and imagine where resources are, and intellectual materials can be mobilized. Without planning, effectiveness cannot be achieved.
He added, "I would like someone to talk and expand on JPB/NCDP so that colleagues from the states can be better enriched."
Continuing, he noted that examples from countries that have achieved development have shown that planning played a crucial role in their economic takeoff. Ethiopia, for instance, demonstrated that careful planning can deliver prosperity, with a growth rate of about 80% for over a decade. Similarly, India, Korea, and other Asian countries have achieved success through planning.
Given that Nigeria is a federation with provisions requiring federal, state, and local governments to lead through planning, he stressed the constitutional provision for a joint planning board between the state and local governments.
He highlighted the importance of reflecting on the interface between commissioners of the states and heads of state’s economic planning administration and that of the national level to create a meaningful communique for the National Economic Council.
Most economic issues relate to planning, which is why there was a resolution that commissioners of budget and planning should accompany governors to the monthly National Economic Council meeting. This would provide opportunities for joint planning board meetings or interactions with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
He emphasized unity, stating that diversity is not a distraction but a potential benefit. He encouraged cooperation and recognition of common goals, likening the mindset to the creation of trade unions worldwide.
In conclusion, he further encouraged the commissioners, saying, "In my humble view, we are the most important link in our federal setting. We are the ones with constitutional responsibilities for planning in the states and coordinating such planning with the federal government."
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