(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/NPC-Minister-300x224.jpg) The Minister/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman has said that, the Nigeria Vision 20:2020 is a roadmap and not a prediction.
He stated this, Monday, June 24, 2013, while presenting his Commission's scorecard for the 2013 Ministerial Platform, which was hosted by the Federal Ministry of Information, at the National Press Center, Radio House, Abuja. The Minister said, "It does not necessarily mean that Nigeria will achieve the vision by the year, 2020. Yes, there are likely going to be hiccups, bumps and challenges that need to be addressed. We need to understand that the vision does not mean being one of the twenty richest countries of the world, but being one of the top twenty economies by size of GDP."
While commenting on the state of Nigeria's economy, Dr. Usman said, the country was making positive moves in the direction of achieving the Vision 20:2020 by moving eight steps upward within three years.
The Minister also pointed out that, with the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) put in place for MDAs, service delivery is being tracked while specific areas of service that needs attention are also being revealed.
He further disclosed that foreign remittances have become higher than the Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) because Nigerians in the Diaspora are happy with the economic progress of the country and they are now showing more interest and confidence for the country. In his words, "They are working through their pockets."
While reeling out some of the key achievements of the Commission, Dr. Usman disclosed that, under the Performance Management System (PMS), the Commission had established a specialized Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Department in NPC and M&E units in the MDAs, developed KPIs, and performance contract agreement for which Ministers and key government officials signed with Mr. President and which has also led to regular ministerial performance reporting at the Federal Executive Council meetings.
Accordingly, the Minister further said the Parastatals under NPC are not left out in the progress as there has been a great reform of data generating process which is being spearheaded by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
On the issue of cascading national plans down to States level to provide for proper coordination, he pointed out that, so far, eight States have established their States' Bureau of Statistics which has helped greatly in the policy making processes in the States.
While explaining the link between budgeting and planning, Dr. Usman said that, areas that need to improve synergy are being identified and will be worked on. "It is a gradual process and we will get there soon."
While applauding Mr. President for the growth achieved so far in the country, the Minister assured Nigerians that the growth will be made more inclusive.
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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria