Introduction to the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called for renewed commitment to industrialisation, leadership accountability, and innovation to reposition the country on a path of productivity and self-reliance. Speaking at the Forum’s 4th Annual National Conference in Abuja, the Chairman, Dr Chris Akomas, said the gathering underscored the shared responsibility of citizens and leaders in building a resilient, self-sustaining economy.
The Conference Theme and Objectives
The conference theme was “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self-Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry and Innovation in Policy Implementation”. He said the theme underscored the urgent need to turn Nigeria’s vast potential into measurable national progress. Akomas said nation-building was a continuous process that required unity of purpose, visionary leadership, and citizens’ shared commitment to the national good beyond individual interests.
The Role of Leadership and Industry in Nation Building
He noted that leadership, industry, innovation, and civic responsibility must converge in a “grand coalition of purpose,” where leaders demonstrate integrity and foresight to drive sustainable development. The chairman said the Forum had provided a non-partisan platform for former and serving deputy governors to deliberate on issues critical to governance, national growth, and the promotion of institutional reforms. According to him, the Forum’s annual conferences since 2022 have consistently focused on strengthening governance, promoting food security, and fostering sustainable growth through strategic dialogue and policy recommendations.
Practical Steps for Accelerating Industrial Productivity
He said the 2025 conference aimed to develop practical ideas for accelerating industrial productivity, promoting innovation, and ensuring effective policy implementation across all levels of government. “Nation building requires us to move beyond rhetoric. We must take deliberate steps to strengthen industries, empower innovators, and hold leadership accountable for results,” Akomas stated. He said FFDGN had initiated development-oriented partnerships, including the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative established in 2017, to improve productivity and enhance value chains in the agricultural sector.
Collaboration with the Private Sector and Development Partners
The Forum, he added, would continue to collaborate with the private sector and development partners to boost industrial growth and promote youth-led innovations across the country. Former Senate President and conference chairman, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, commended the Forum’s focus on nation-building, saying it was the most active and impactful group among former political officeholders. Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said Nigeria’s drive for a productive economy dated back to the 1960s but had suffered setbacks from coups, policy inconsistencies, and weak national institutions.
Historical Context of Nigeria’s Industrialisation Efforts
He traced the decline in industrialisation to the 1966 military intervention, which, according to him, disrupted national unity, eroded values, and entrenched ethnicity and nepotism in governance. “The collapse of our industrial efforts was not for lack of knowledge but due to inconsistency, corruption, and loss of patriotism. A productive economy requires sustained national commitment,” he said. Anyim identified the 1970s oil boom and Nigeria’s entry into the World Trade Organisation in 1994 as major contributors to the country’s dependence on imports and weakened industrial base.
Lessons from Other Countries
He argued that local production could not thrive without deliberate policy protection and a competitive manufacturing environment that supports investors and workers alike. According to him, “No nation can achieve economic transformation without protecting its productive sectors and fostering patriotism in leadership and policy direction.” The former Senate President urged Nigerians to draw lessons from countries like China, Singapore, and Vietnam, which achieved rapid industrial growth through discipline, patriotism, and visionary planning.
The Way Forward for Nigeria’s Economy
He stressed that rebuilding Nigeria’s economy would require patience, bold reforms, and citizens’ willingness to endure short-term sacrifices for long-term national benefits. Sen. Aliyu Wamako, represented by Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, hailed the Forum for fostering dialogue and collaboration among leaders. Wamako pledged his full support for the Forum’s initiatives, noting that such partnerships could help drive reforms and legislative interventions at the subnational and national levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria has emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to industrialisation, leadership accountability, and innovation to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and self-reliance. The conference highlighted the importance of unity of purpose, visionary leadership, and citizens’ shared commitment to the national good. It also underscored the need for practical steps to strengthen industries, empower innovators, and hold leadership accountable for results.
FAQs
- What is the main objective of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria?
The main objective of the Forum is to promote good governance, national growth, and institutional reforms in Nigeria. - What is the theme of the Forum’s 4th Annual National Conference?
The theme of the conference is “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self-Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry and Innovation in Policy Implementation”. - What are the key factors that have contributed to Nigeria’s decline in industrialisation?
The key factors include the 1966 military intervention, policy inconsistencies, weak national institutions, the 1970s oil boom, and Nigeria’s entry into the World Trade Organisation in 1994. - What lessons can Nigeria learn from other countries that have achieved rapid industrial growth?
Nigeria can learn from countries like China, Singapore, and Vietnam, which achieved rapid industrial growth through discipline, patriotism, and visionary planning. - What is required to rebuild Nigeria’s economy?
Rebuilding Nigeria’s economy requires patience, bold reforms, and citizens’ willingness to endure short-term sacrifices for long-term national benefits.
