EHIME ALEX, Lagos
The Federal Government has on Thursday assured the international community of its readiness and determination to implement as closely as possible the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), while being hopeful of assistance as the project climaxes to more technical stages.
This was according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was quoted saying that a move from the international community to support the successful execution of programmes encapsulated in the plan is welcomed and appreciated.
Vice President Osinbajo stated this at a virtual meeting held earlier on Thursday with representatives of the international community from the United States (US), the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), agencies of the United Nations, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to a statement by Laolu Akande, his media aide.
Osinbajo, who applauded the commitment of the international community to support Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, also noted that the country will take advantage of the crisis to effect significant changes in the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He said, “I thank you for your generous comments about the Economic Sustainability Plan. We intend to implement that as closely as possible. We hope that when we get to some of the more technical aspects and full implementation, we will then be able to work with you and see in what areas you will be in the position to assist.
“We also look at the pandemic and post-pandemic period as a time when we can make some useful changes. We really are working towards ensuring that we take full advantage of the crisis. There is no question at all as to our determination to ensure that we are able to quickly surmount the challenges.”
The vice president also used the medium expressing condolences on the recent killing of five aid workers on Wednesday in Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.
Earlier in a remark, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations System in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, who led the delegation, was quoted saying that Nigeria’s response to the pandemic is well planned and articulated, noting that interactions of the Federal government with stakeholders would aid a smooth implementation of the plan.
Kallon and other members of the delegation commended the development and approval of the Economic Sustainability Plan, offering to assist in its implementation.
According to Kallon “we want to support the vision of (Nigerian) government in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Economic Sustainability Plan gives us the opportunity.
“He added that members of the delegation will see how the international community can support the Nigerian government “with what you are doing.”
He was said to had disclosed that the delegation want to ensure there is an international alignment in support of the Nigerian government’s response.
Aside Mr Edward Kallon, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations System in Nigeria, other representatives of foreign governments and international agencies at the meeting included Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria; Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Ambassador Catriona Laing, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria represented by Mr John Primrose, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Mr Chris Pycroft, Head of the Department for International Development (DFID) in Nigeria; and Mr Mohamed Yahya, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria.
Others include, Mr Kurt Cornelis, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Mr Shubham Chaudhuri, the Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria; Ms Jesmin Rahman, Resident Representative and Chief of Mission, International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Nigeria, among others.
Also in attendance was Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who is a member of the Economic Sustainability Committee.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply