Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, the Supervising Minister of National Planning has reiterated the need for strategic plan development at both national and sub-national levels for effective policy implementation which will
enhance the drive towards the transformation of the Nigerian economy.
Ambassador Yuguda was represented by the Secretary to the National Planning Commission, Barr. Ntufam Fidel Ugbo. He stated this in a key note address in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Thursday, 31st October, 2013 at the opening of Meeting of the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP).
The theme for the 10th Meeting is "Imperatives of strategic planning as a framework for effective policy formulation and implementation for Nigeria's transformation."
NCDP is a body consisting of States' Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of Planning Commissions and Agencies at the sub- national level, with the Minister of National Planning as Chairman.
The body was established in accordance with the provisions of the National Planning Commission's Act of 1963, as one of the key statutory bodies to facilitate and coordinate the economic development process
at the national and sub-national levels in the country.
Accordingly, the Minister also called on States and Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to develop not just their medium term plan but to harmonize the plans to facilitate effective implementation for
enhanced service delivery.
He went further to state that there can be no meaningful and sustainable development without credible planning at all levels of government, adding that during the implementation of the first two National Development Plans from 1963 - 1974, Nigeria recorded significant milestones in growth and development.
"Over the years, the key outcomes and recommendations of the NCDP have been translated into Government policies at the national and sub-national levels. It has also served as a veritable framework for coordinating the economic and social activities that take place at the national, regional and sector levels, especially in developing economies", the Minister added.
In his opening address, presented on his behalf, by the Secretary to the State Government, the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated the imperative of planning in the successful development and transformation of any polity.
According to the Governor, "Effective transformation begins with proper budgeting. There must be synergy between planning and budgeting. Accordingly, these two concepts must be given due and adequate consideration if Nigeria must actualize vision 20:2020 and budget plans must be linked to strategic plans to ensure that key objectives and priorities are budgeted for and achieved."
He however, applauded the choice of the State as the venue for the meeting saying that it is a State that has proven that successful transformation and development is embedded in proper planning and budgeting, adding that the state has maintained steady budgeting formula of 20% recurrent and 80% capital which has given it the leverage to execute capital projects in the State.