JONATHAN INAUGURATES NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS COUNCIL

The federal government, yesterday, further demonstrated its determination to improve Nigeria's global competitiveness ranking and revitalise the Nigerian economy with the inauguration of the Board of the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan.

'According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade and Investment, the inauguration of the 18-member board, chaired by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, is targeted at increasing productivity and sales for local businesses, and will lead to expansion and creation of more markets for products made in Nigeria.'

The statement quoted president Goodluck Jonathan as saying that members of the council were selected to serve on the board on account of their proven integrity, unwavering patriotism and uncommon sense of duty.

He said, 'You all have been selected to serve on this Board on account of your proven integrity, unwavering patriotism and uncommon sense of duty. Government expects that you will use your experience and skills to add value to the important work that the Nigerian National Competitiveness Council is called upon to perform in our ongoing efforts to reform our Investment Climate.

'As you are aware, the objective of the Nigerian National Competitiveness Council is to enhance Nigeria's competitiveness by proposing policy recommendations that will create an economy that attracts domestic and foreign investments without focusing on, or benefitting any specific interest group or sector.'

According to him, these policies will be developed based on quantitative, evidence-based analysis and will align with the broader long-term Transformation Agenda of the current administration. Jonathan added, 'For Nigeria to have its share of the global wealth, we must ensure that we improve our business environment and enhance the competitiveness of firms operating in our country. It is only then that these firms will be able to expand their operations and create more jobs and wealth for Nigerians and Nigeria.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, who also addressed the press, said the council's objective 'is to enhance Nigeria's competitiveness by proposing policy recommendations that will create an economy that attracts domestic and foreign investments without focusing on, or benefitting any specific interest group or sector.'

He said, 'The council shall be the focal body responsible for creating awareness on national competitiveness in the country, coordinating the efforts of both the Public and Private Sectors to improve Nigeria's Competitiveness, recommending relevant Policies and proactively monitoring and evaluating the progress being made at National and Sub-National levels.

'This Council shall also liaise with councils of other countries on global competitiveness issues. This will go a long way in developing National Public Policy initiatives to address short, medium and long-term Competitiveness issues confronting the country.'