Experts want 2014 budget passed on time

By The Citizen

Some financial experts on Friday advocated the need for sustained political stability and early passage of the nation's budget. They said that stability of the polity and quick passage of the budget was crucial for economic growth and development in 2014. The experts made the analysis in Lagos. They also commended the Federal Government for its efforts so far in stabilising political environment ahead of 2015 general elections. Mr Harrison Owoh, the Managing Director, H J Trust and Investment Ltd, said that political stability would be the yardstick for investment purpose in 2014. Owoh said that political environment and strong security would determine the direction of the economy in 2014. According to him, the economy will maintain its growth once the nation is stable. He urged government to pursue friendly investment laws and stable economic policies to support growth and development. Mr David Adonri, the Chief Executive Officer, Lambeth Trust & Investment Ltd., said the economy and equities market would experience impressive growth in 2014 with enhanced security and stable political environment. Adonri said that 'global analysts foresee a very active year for the equities market in 2014 as global economies grow in all directions.'  He said that good regulatory framework and improvement in corporate fundamentals would enhance investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy. Adonri also identified power, agriculture and the building materials sectors as the major drives of the Nigerian economy in 2014.