FG Urges States to Help Drive $1 Trillion Economy Goal
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has urged state commissioners across Nigeria to work closely with the central government to help grow the country’s economy to $1 trillion by the year 2030.
The Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this call in Abuja during a two-day meeting with state commissioners, permanent secretaries, and directors who handle budget and economic planning. The meeting was titled ‘Aligning State Priorities for National Development’.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite explained that the big dream of reaching a $1 trillion economy is no longer just a plan on paper for the future. Instead, she said it is a goal that needs immediate and joint action from both the states and the federal government to become a reality in the next four years.
The Minister said that hitting this big target means state officials must stop sitting back and start leading the way. She urged them to look closely at what their individual states are good at producing or doing, and use those strengths to match the country’s main economic goals. She also noted that states need to make sure their local budgets, rules, and development plans match what the federal government is doing so that every Nigerian can enjoy the wealth.
To give them confidence, Dr. Uzoka-Anite said that President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ provides the strong political support needed for this plan, while the upcoming National Development Plan for 2026 to 2030 will serve as the actual roadmap to get the job done.
Speaking earlier at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Deborah Odoh, said the meeting was a great chance for the federal and state governments to learn from each other, share experiences, and find real ways to make their work better.
Dr. Odoh pointed out that the success of the National Economic Council does not just depend on making good rules, but on how dedicated and professional everyone is. She urged the participants to speak freely and contribute good ideas during the two days.
Also speaking, the newly elected Chairman of the commissioners’ group, Mr. Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen, told his colleagues that they must start working hard immediately because the country is at a very critical stage of development. He promised that the state commissioners would work hard to bring progress to the whole country.
