NPO’s National Dialogue To Address Nigeria’s Economic Infrastructure Challenges

NPO Reports, one of Nigeria’s leading online publications, has announced the date for the second edition of its Annual National Dialogue.

A statement by Semiu Okanlawon, Chief Executive Officer of S-OK Advisory and Media Limited, publishers of NPO Reports, revealed that the event, themed “Revenue Generation, Infrastructure Progress: Options in a Challenged Economy,” will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Nigerian National Merit Award House (Merit House), Maitama, Abuja.

He stated that experts from critical economic sectors, revenue-generating agencies, and policy analysts have been scheduled to address issues surrounding revenue generation and the challenges of infrastructure deficits in the country.

The discussions will focus on generating revenue to tackle significant infrastructure deficits in critical sectors such as education, health, security, and roads.

Prominent speakers at the event include the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, and the former postmaster general of the federation, Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, who will chair the event. Adewusi, currently chairman of Global West, previously served as commissioner for finance and later as commissioner for budget and economic planning in Lagos State under the then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also expected to speak at the event are a senior research fellow in the Political and Governance Policy Department at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Dr Hakeem Olatunji Tijani; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Tope Fasua; Chief Communication Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Femi Soneye; and from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CISI), Idayat Hassan.

Okanlawon emphasised that the event reflects the publication’s commitment to fostering conversations on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians and government actions.

“For example,” he said, “current administrations at all levels are grappling with serious infrastructure decay, particularly in critical sectors like education, health, roads, and security, which require significant funding. However, these administrations face significant challenges in generating the necessary revenue.

“Insecurity has made oil revenues unpredictable, with the government striving to increase crude oil production. Furthermore, tax reform efforts face stiff resistance, raising concerns that long-standing revenue leakages and other factors contributing to shortfalls may persist. What, then, are the solutions?” he said.

He added that these and other pressing issues will be discussed during the event on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

At the 2023 inaugural edition of the programme, speakers addressed campaign promises and accountability issues.