The Federal Government has admitted that working with the private sector will help it achieve development goals because the government’s resources are decreasing.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Bagudu made the admission during the 30th Annual Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) Development Forum in Abuja.
The minister said it had become necessary to sustain the partnership with the private sector to advance the development agenda in the light of diminishing government revenue.
Bagudu, represented by Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the director of International Cooperation, explained that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) played a vital role in addressing areas not covered by the government, including healthcare, the environment, the economy, public policy, and support for vulnerable citizens.
He stressed: “The government’s policy objectives are crucial for both state and non-state actors, and NGOs should work in alignment with the national development plan, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in addressing the diverse needs of society”.
The minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the government, including a revenue deficit, slow economic growth, rapid population growth, increasing unemployment, and high inflation.
He urged non-governmental organisations ‘’to play a role in helping the government address these issues and cover areas where the government’s resources and capacity fall short”.
Dr. James-Wisdom Abhulimen, the Head of Programme and Corporate Communications at LAPO, emphasised the importance of non-state actors, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in complementing government efforts to promote national and economic development because the government could not shoulder this responsibility alone.
