The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) recently convened its 4th Annual National Conference in Abuja, underscoring the critical need for a shared vision to propel sustainable growth and national development. The conference, themed “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self-Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry and Innovation in Policy Implementation,” served as a platform for prominent leaders to discuss strategies for leveraging Nigeria’s vast potential.

Dr. Chris Akomas, the chairman of the FFDGN, emphasized the imperative of collective action in nation-building. He highlighted Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, acknowledging the persistent challenge of effectively harnessing them to uplift the quality of life for all citizens. Akomas stressed the pivotal role of robust leadership, thriving industries, and relentless innovation as accelerators of economic development. He called for a concerted, collaborative effort involving government, the private sector, and civil society to enhance industrial productivity, foster innovation, and ensure the diligent implementation of policies across all administrative levels. The conference, he noted, aimed to generate actionable ideas, recommendations, and cultivate strategic partnerships vital for national discourse and for forging a self-reliant Nigeria. Akomas also urged citizens to cultivate a renewed commitment to the values of unity, equity, and responsibility, pointing to FFDGN initiatives like The Sustainable Cocoa Initiative, which actively works to boost cocoa production and improve its value chain, as examples of their engagement.

Adding his voice to the discourse, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Ayim, commended the former deputy governors for their unwavering steadfastness and patriotic dedication to nation-building. Ayim delved into the significance of a productive economy and identified historical factors that have impeded Nigeria’s industrialization, including military coups, the oil boom of the 1970s, and the implications of signing onto the World Trade Organisation Agreement. He advocated for sustained commitment to national aspirations, policy consistency, and the vital importance of safeguarding local markets while creating a competitive production environment to attract investors and stimulate domestic production. Ayim appealed for a resurgence of patriotism and the strengthening of national institutions to reverse Nigeria’s economic vulnerabilities, recognizing that a collective effort from both leaders and citizens is essential to steer the nation towards prosperity and industrial advancement, drawing parallels with the successes observed in countries like China, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Margatarda Wamako, represented by Hon. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, expressed profound gratitude and admiration for the Deputy Governors Forum of Nigeria. Wamako reflected on his past involvement in a similar initiative in 1999 that faced unfortunate setbacks and lauded the impressive growth and impact of the Forum, specifically commending the leadership and organizational prowess of the current Secretariat and the success of the ongoing conference. Pledging his full support to the FFDGN’s future endeavors, he offered to champion any legislative initiatives brought forward by the group. Wamako emphasized the critical importance of a shared vision and mutual agreement on a work plan to foster trust, confidence, and development at the sub-national levels. He conveyed confidence in the collective expertise of the conference participants, anticipating actionable solutions to rejuvenate Nigeria’s industrial base. Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to the friends of the Forum and corporate sponsors for their continuous support, noting that such contributions have led to increased political appointments for foreign members, signaling government recognition of their dedication to national development.

Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, the director-general of the FFDGN, detailed the Forum’s remarkable expansion since 2022, characterized by a growing membership and enhanced engagement with serving deputy governors. He highlighted that under the present leadership, the Forum has achieved increased visibility and credibility through its consistent convening of dialogues on critical issues such as governance, national security, and economic transformation. Ibe-Kalu revealed the establishment of the Renewed Hope Agenda Peer Review Group, an initiative designed to monitor the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s economic programmes and champion accountability in governance. Additionally, he disclosed that the Forum is actively working on a publication that will document the invaluable service experiences of former deputy governors, aiming to preserve their institutional knowledge for the benefit of future leaders.