In a significant intervention that shaped the framework of the final communiqué of the recently concluded Conference of Speakers of African Parliament in South Africa, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria Rt. Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu underscored the imperative of a sustained integration of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 economic blueprint into Nigeria’s developmental strategy as already embarked on by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Representing the Speaker of Nigeria Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, PhD at the conference, Rt Hon Kalu re-emphasized that this initiative is not only pivotal for Nigeria but also serves as a model for other African nations aiming to harness collective growth and sustainable development. The Conference of Speakers of African Parliament gathered key legislative leaders from across the continent to discuss pressing issues, share best practices, and forge collaborative frameworks aimed at advancing Africa’s socioeconomic development.
With Agenda 2063 as a cornerstone of these discussions, the Deputy Speaker articulated Nigeria’s commitment to aligning its national policies with continental aspirations emphasizing that the nation’s development trajectory is intrinsically linked to the success of continental initiatives. He outlined several key areas where Nigeria has already begun aligning its policies with the goals of Agenda 2063 such as economic diversification, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, good governance and democracy.
The AU Agenda 2063 is an ambitious framework aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. It envisions a continent that is integrated, prosperous, and peaceful, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. The agenda comprises seven aspirations, each focused on key areas such as economic growth, social inclusion, sustainable development, and good governance. As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria holds a unique position on the continent. Although it has in the past faced multifaceted challenges, including economic volatility, infrastructural deficits, and social inequalities, the Deputy Speaker commended the President Tinubu’s administration for integrating Agenda 2063 into Nigeria’s development framework as not merely an aspiration but a necessity for overcoming past economic challenges.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency through investments in agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. By embarking on economic diversification, Nigeria aims to foster sustainable economic growth that reflects the aspirations of Agenda 2063. He stressed the importance of infrastructure as a cornerstone for economic development and touted the efforts of Nigeria in actively pursuing regional connectivity projects, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which align with Agenda 2063’s goal of an integrated Africa.
Also recognising the demographic dividend that Africa possesses, the Deputy Speaker pointed to initiatives aimed at empowering Nigeria’s youth through education and job creation. This as he stated aligns with the Agenda’s focus on a people-driven development strategy that engages the continent’s largest demographic group. The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and democratic practices and asserted that effective leadership is crucial for the realization of the aspirations set out in Agenda 2063. He made some key interventions and recommendations and emphasized the need for other African nations to align its national development policies with the goals of Agenda 2063.
He stated that this involves a comprehensive review of existing policies to ensure they support the aspirations outlined in the AU framework, particularly in economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. In acknowledging that a critical component of the AU Agenda is infrastructure development, the Deputy Speaker advocated for increased investment in critical infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and digital connectivity.
Such investments will not only enhance Africa’s competitiveness but also facilitate intra-African trade and economic integration. Recognizing the demographic advantage posed by Africa’s youthful population, the Deputy Speaker called for targeted programs aimed at empowering young Africans through education and vocational training. By aligning these initiatives with Agenda 2063’s vision for a skilled and educated workforce, African Nations can better position itself to drive innovation and economic growth.
The Deputy Speaker reiterated the importance of sustainable development in Africa’s growth strategy and urged policymakers to incorporate environmental sustainability into economic planning, promoting practices that ensure the responsible use of natural resources while addressing climate change challenges. He also highlighted the importance of regional integration as outlined in Agenda 2063 and urged his colleagues to establish frameworks that strengthen partnerships amongst African nations, fostering trade and economic collaboration that can enhance regional stability and growth.
Emphasising further the importance of technology and innovation, Rt Hon Kalu stated that “to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape, Africa must prioritize technological advancement and innovation”. He advocated for policies that support research and development, encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors to drive technological innovations that align with the goals of Agenda 2063.
The Deputy Speaker’s intervention at the Conference of Speakers of African Parliament reflects a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of Nigeria’s future with the broader African agenda. Nigeria’s efforts at integrating the AU Agenda 2063 economic blueprint into Nigeria’s developmental strategies will not only enhance its own growth trajectory but also contribute meaningfully to the realization of a prosperous and united Africa. By integrating the African Union Agenda 2063 into its national framework, Nigeria also reinforces its role as a leader on the continent.
The path forward requires a commitment from all stakeholders including the government, civil society, and the private sector working collaboratively towards achieving Agenda 2063 ambitious goals. As Nigeria embarks on this journey, it stands poised to become a beacon of hope and progress within the African continent, leading by example in the pursuit of sustainable development and shared prosperity. The Deputy Speaker in his concluding remarks highlighted a critical juncture in Nigeria’s development strategy by stating that “as Africa navigates the complexities of the 21st century, Nigeria’s proactive stance in aligning with the Agenda 2063 blueprint will be essential in shaping a prosperous and united Africa. Through collaborative efforts and a shared vision, the continent can achieve the transformative change envisioned for 2063 and beyond” – Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu!
* James writes from Abuja
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