FG harps on PPP for social economic devt’

The federal government of Nigeria has disclosed that it will harp on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) as its primary tool to actualize social economic developments across the country.

Making this known on Wednesday in Minna when he declared open the 2nd quarter PPP conference, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume also said agriculture has become a priority sector for urgent development.

Senator Akume who was represented by the Director Office of the SGF, Mr. Simon Tyuugu commended the efforts of state Governors for embracing the benefits and opportunities of PPP procurement as an alternative programming method.

According to him “the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration has high hopes and is harping on the Public Private Partnership as the primary tool for social economic development in Nigeria.

“This conference is very important because it brings together heads of PPP agencies from the 36 states of the Federation to criss cross ideas and drive the policy.

Accordingly, he said “the aim of the PPP is to consolidate and complement subnational development and economic expansion which create greater wellbeing for the society”.

He said “given the impacts of climate change, the dwindling revenue, challenges in the security sector and several other factors threatening food security not just in Nigeria, but also in other parts of the world, agriculture has become a priority sector for urgent development.

“For government, this is even more compelling because of our growing populations. President Tinubu has already declared a state of emergency on food security.

“There is the need to invest heavily for the movement of food production and food Security in Nigeria. The federal government is making efforts and we want the private sector to stand up to be counted by thinking outside the box to fill the gaps along the value chain.”

Senator Akume added that, “where we expect the private sector to try initiative, it is also imperative for subnational entities not wait for the federal government at all times.”

In his remarks, Niger state Governor, Rt. Hon. Umaru Bago represented by Head of Service, Abubakar Salihu urged the private sector to see Niger as a safe haven adding that, infrastructural development would lead to several opportunities.