The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, said that for desired growth to be achieved, Nigerians needed to collectively contribute to nation building.
This was contained in a statement by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office on Thursday and made available to Newsmen in Abuja.
The minister said this at the launch of the Federal Government’s “Imagine Nigeria” study framework at the State House in Abuja, to proffer creating a shift for a new African agenda and development narrative.
It also calls on Nigeria to facilitate new forms of collaboration for the country and Africa, so that the continent can take its well-deserved seat in the global arena while providing a basis for the country’s transformation.
A key recommendation from the series of conversations so far, is the urgent need for structural transformation, economic diversification, and wealth creation, catalysed by the green economy.
According to Agba, “The task before us is to collectively create our desired future, with everyone leading and contributing from their respective corners towards the transformation of our great nation.
“FG Imagine Nigeria is a framework that aims to foster national dialogue inspired by the future scenarios and recommendations from the consultative review as departure points to promote collective actions.
“As part of the framework, the report is not the end but the beginning of a process of national mobilisation.’’
It provides Nigerians with tools to reflect and seize the opportunities occasioned by the rapidly changing world to create the desired future.
Also at the launch, Mr Mohamed Yahya, the Resident Representative for UNDP Nigeria, said the study was not only about going green but about Nigeria’s leadership in the global arena.
“It is not just about going green; it is about global leadership and how Nigeria can help lead the world in a new direction.
“It is about building a new economy and forging new realities in which Nigeria is a global leader and the destination for investors working to solve African and global challenges.
“By linking Nigeria’s current challenges and opportunities in the context of prevailing and emerging global trends, the report explores possible future scenarios for the country.
“It identifies five pillars of intervention that Nigeria should prioritise and jointly act upon to build a better future for all its citizens.
“These include building a culture of innovation, catalysing the green economy, leading the African agenda, building trust within the society as well as between government and the governed, and facilitating a national narrative flowing from people-led discourse,” he said.
Yahya noted that Imagine Nigeria emphasised transformation was possible if Nigeria leveraged the opportunities in innovation, green economy and utilised its crucial role in Africa.He added that all were underpinned by improved societal trust and a more favourable national narrative.
“The report also highlights that Nigeria will benefit significantly from having all sectors of society acting together.”
The study provides Nigerians with tools to reflect and seize opportunities occasioned by the rapidly changing world to create the desired future.
For more information, Download the Imagine Nigeria report, or visit:www.imaginenigeria.ng. (NAN)