Ogun on the rise...
Andrew S Nevin, PhD
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Earlier this week, I had the privilege of moderating a wonderful panel of industry leaders at the 2018 Ogun State Investor’s Forum, including Kemi Adeosun (Nigeria’s Finance Minister), Rachid Benmessaoud (World Bank Country Director for Nigeria), Tayo Oviosu (Founder/CEO of Paga), Yaw Nsarkoh (MD of Unilever), Dr. Delphine Sangodeyi and Dr. Norbert Volker, with Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Ogun state Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Commissioner for Agriculture Adepeju Adebajo in the audience.
My takeaway - leaders and investors are optimistic about the direction of both Nigeria and Ogun state. Nigeria is finally out of a recession that lasted 5 long quarters and we expect positive growth over the next two years. What is more challenging is to grow at 5-7%, the minimum required to reduce poverty. To achieve this, the federal government is focused on expanding non-oil sectors – agriculture, manufacturing and services by working closely with the private sector to reform the ease of doing business.
In addition, Ogun state is focused on strengthening local institutions beyond the tenure of current administration, which is set expire in 2019. The state has made some progress in the ease of doing business and in 2017, successfully attracted 75% of manufacturing investments nationwide. The state has made large investments in infrastructure and mechanization in order to improve production in agriculture. Ogun has taken the long view towards development and subsequent administrations must be careful not to offset gains made over the last 7 years with conflicting policies.
Watch my interview with CNBC Africa here: https://www.cnbcafrica.com/videos/2018/03/20/heres-why-you-should-invest-in-ogun-state/#cxrecs_s
Senior Manager| Controls| Process Improvement| Financial Audits| Accounting| Financial Reporting| Leadership| Executive Programme
6 年A good move by Ogun state... I hope other states can key into their approach. One the challenges most states in Nigeria face is the continuity of Policies and milestones irrespective of the political party in power. Overcoming this challenge will go a long way in improving investment and business in Nigeria.
Business Development Manager at Proforce Limited, Nigeria
6 年Your anchoring was great sir! Your knowledge of existing local communities, problems etc. providing basis for discussions was startling sir! More power to your elbow sir. As you pointed, we wish successive administrations can sustain the tempo.