Border closure making Nigerians to look inward - Akume

The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume said the closure of the nation’s border is a way of creating avenue to look inward and develop Nigeria’s economy.

Akume who spoke yesterday at a Stakeholders Retreat to Develop a Road Map and Strategic Plan (2019 - 2023) for the Ministry of Special Duties and InterGovernmental Affairs; said that the Ministry has been mandated to partner with the private sector so as to attract direct national and foreign investments.

“We are not only going to rely on foreign investments. We have well-meaning Nigerians that are outstanding in their own capabilities and that are willing to invest in Nigeria and by investing; they will develop avenues whereby employment can be generated to the teeming unemployed youths.

“We have a lot of potentials in Agriculture and Technology among others; Nigerians are well gifted and innovative to invent and develop means of employment. So, we will continue to partner with the private sector in this area,” he said.

Akume who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Festus Daudu stated that the Ministry has been recreated to engender development and to boost government activities across various sectors.

The Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila described the development of a strategic plan for the Ministry as a landmark stride; noting that government is under great public scrutiny to deliver on long-standing aspirations for improved economic conditions, infrastructural development and good governance.