In a major intervention that formed the framework of the ultimate communiqué of the not too long ago concluded Convention of Audio system of African Parliament in South Africa, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria Rt. Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu underscored the crucial of a sustained integration of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 financial blueprint into Nigeria’s developmental technique as already launched into by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Representing the Speaker of Nigeria Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, PhD on the convention, Rt Hon Kalu re-emphasized that this initiative just isn’t solely pivotal for Nigeria but additionally serves as a mannequin for different African nations aiming to harness collective development and sustainable growth. The Convention of Audio system of African Parliament gathered key legislative leaders from throughout the continent to debate urgent points, share finest practices, and forge collaborative frameworks aimed toward advancing Africa’s socioeconomic growth.
With Agenda 2063 as a cornerstone of those discussions, the Deputy Speaker articulated Nigeria’s dedication to aligning its nationwide insurance policies with continental aspirations emphasizing that the nation’s growth trajectory is intrinsically linked to the success of continental initiatives. He outlined a number of key areas the place Nigeria has already begun aligning its insurance policies with the targets of Agenda 2063 similar to financial diversification, infrastructure growth, youth empowerment, good governance and democracy.
The AU Agenda 2063 is an bold framework aimed toward reworking Africa into a worldwide powerhouse of the long run. It envisions a continent that’s built-in, affluent, and peaceable, pushed by its personal residents and representing a dynamic pressure within the world enviornment. The agenda contains seven aspirations, every centered on key areas similar to financial development, social inclusion, sustainable growth, and good governance. As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economic system, Nigeria holds a singular place on the continent. Though it has prior to now confronted multifaceted challenges, together with financial volatility, infrastructural deficits, and social inequalities, the Deputy Speaker recommended the President Tinubu’s administration for integrating Agenda 2063 into Nigeria’s growth framework as not merely an aspiration however a necessity for overcoming previous financial challenges.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economic system away from oil dependency by investments in agriculture, know-how, and renewable power. By embarking on financial diversification, Nigeria goals to foster sustainable financial development that displays the aspirations of Agenda 2063. He careworn the significance of infrastructure as a cornerstone for financial growth and touted the efforts of Nigeria in actively pursuing regional connectivity tasks, such because the African Continental Free Commerce Space (AfCFTA), which align with Agenda 2063’s aim of an built-in Africa.
Additionally recognising the demographic dividend that Africa possesses, the Deputy Speaker pointed to initiatives aimed toward empowering Nigeria’s youth by training and job creation. This as he said aligns with the Agenda’s deal with a people-driven growth technique that engages the continent’s largest demographic group. The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to selling good governance, accountability, and democratic practices and asserted that efficient management is essential for the belief of the aspirations set out in Agenda 2063. He made some key interventions and suggestions and emphasised the necessity for different African nations to align its nationwide growth insurance policies with the targets of Agenda 2063.
He said that this includes a complete evaluate of present insurance policies to make sure they help the aspirations outlined within the AU framework, notably in financial development, job creation, and poverty alleviation. In acknowledging {that a} essential element of the AU Agenda is infrastructure growth, the Deputy Speaker advocated for elevated funding in essential infrastructure, together with transportation, power, and digital connectivity.
Such investments is not going to solely improve Africa’s competitiveness but additionally facilitate intra-African commerce and financial integration. Recognizing the demographic benefit posed by Africa’s youthful inhabitants, the Deputy Speaker referred to as for focused applications aimed toward empowering younger Africans by training and vocational coaching. By aligning these initiatives with Agenda 2063’s imaginative and prescient for a talented and educated workforce, African Nations can higher place itself to drive innovation and financial development.
The Deputy Speaker reiterated the significance of sustainable growth in Africa’s development technique and urged policymakers to include environmental sustainability into financial planning, selling practices that make sure the accountable use of pure assets whereas addressing local weather change challenges. He additionally highlighted the significance of regional integration as outlined in Agenda 2063 and urged his colleagues to ascertain frameworks that strengthen partnerships amongst African nations, fostering commerce and financial collaboration that may improve regional stability and development.
Emphasising additional the significance of know-how and innovation, Rt Hon Kalu said that “to stay aggressive in a quickly altering world panorama, Africa should prioritize technological development and innovation”. He advocated for insurance policies that help analysis and growth, encouraging collaboration between private and non-private sectors to drive technological improvements that align with the targets of Agenda 2063.
The Deputy Speaker’s intervention on the Convention of Audio system of African Parliament displays a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of Nigeria’s future with the broader African agenda. Nigeria’s efforts at integrating the AU Agenda 2063 financial blueprint into Nigeria’s developmental methods is not going to solely improve its personal development trajectory but additionally contribute meaningfully to the belief of a affluent and united Africa. By integrating the African Union Agenda 2063 into its nationwide framework, Nigeria additionally reinforces its position as a frontrunner on the continent.
The trail ahead requires a dedication from all stakeholders together with the federal government, civil society, and the non-public sector working collaboratively in direction of attaining Agenda 2063 bold targets. As Nigeria embarks on this journey, it stands poised to grow to be a beacon of hope and progress inside the African continent, main by instance within the pursuit of sustainable growth and shared prosperity. The Deputy Speaker in his concluding remarks highlighted a essential juncture in Nigeria’s growth technique by stating that “as Africa navigates the complexities of the twenty first century, Nigeria’s proactive stance in aligning with the Agenda 2063 blueprint will likely be important in shaping a affluent and united Africa. By collaborative efforts and a shared imaginative and prescient, the continent can obtain the transformative change envisioned for 2063 and past” – Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu!
* James writes from Abuja
