Enact laws compelling successive governments to complete existing projects, FFDGN tells FG

By Chris Ochayi

Worried by incidence of abandoned projects scattered across the country, the Federal Government has been urged to enact laws that will compel successive governments at federal and State level to complete subsisting projects as they embark on new ones.

This call was contained in a communique issued by the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN, at the end of its 3rd National Conference held in Abuja with theme, “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.”

The communique of the 2-day conference endorsed by National Chairman, FFDGN, Chris Alozie Akomas, Deputy National Chairman (North), FFDGN, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, and Deputy National Chairman (South), FFDGN Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, respectively, also demanded amendment to the public procurement Act to ensure stiffer punishment against contract defaulters.

The 16 points communique also demanded for an urgent step to strengthen agricultural institutions and linkages with relevant research centers.

According to the communique, “Governors are encouraged to ensure a harmonious relationship with their deputies to promote sustainable democratic governance in Nigeria.

“Entrenching good governance is an imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria as the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Consultation for economic policy by the IMF and the World Bank should be open and inclusive of all major Stakeholders in Nigeria.

“Every effort should be made to ensure that funds from external borrowings by the Federal Government and sub-national Governments should be judiciously applied to productive activities and public infrastructure development with impact on citizens’ standard of living.

“As a matter of policy, the Federal Government should enact laws at
Federal and state levels that will compel successive governments to complete subsisting projects as they embark on new ones.Furthermore, the public procurement Act should be amended for stiffer punishment against contract defaulters.

“The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria shall establish a
Renewed Hope Agenda Peer Review Group.

“To complement Government efforts in Humanitarian Disaster Management, the Forum shall establish a Humanitarian Support System.

“The Federal Government should continue to provide all necessary support to the Military and other security Agencies to ensure adequate security to Nigerians including strengthening the Military’s initiative in complementing National food production .

“That Government should strive to depoliticize Agriculture in Nigeria, by prioritizing community data bank of genuine farmers in all support programs.

“Government is encouraged to introduce modern technology in agriculture, including equipment, high yield seeds and seedlings to boost food production.

“Government should create Agricultural hubs and ensure adequate security for the hubs while community vigilante groups will complement the National security.

“The Bank of Agriculture should be revamped to live up to its responsibilities.

“Youth entrepreneurship skills should be encouraged through agricultural extension centers and demonstration farms.

“There is urgent need to strengthen Agricultural institutions and
linkages with relevant research centers.

“The FFDGN on appraising the current challenges of the country, wishes to commend the Federal Government on its efforts to combat the scourge of food insecurity.

“FFDGN commends the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts and
achievements on the fight against insecurity.”