IBB Policy And Action Agenda 2011

IBB Policy And Action Agenda 2011
Poverty Reduction
Employment Wealth Creation
Scourge of Insecurity and Conflicts
Health
Energy
Citizenship
Federalism
Environmental Issues
Education
Physical Infrastructure
Niger Delta
Corruption
Political Party System
Electoral Reform
Gender and Women
Youth
Sport
Delivery of Justice
Environment
Foreign Policy
Innovation and Development
Family Values
Finance and Banking
Manufacturing
Housing
Transnational Crimes
Commitment to Democracy and the Social Charter


Preamble Welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians must be the highest and enduring purpose of government. We must restore the notion of government as a social contract connecting the people and the state. The Nigerian state and society have been tethering on the brink of complete collapse – conflicts, diverse sources and dimensions of insecurity to life and property, gross poverty and unemployment, decay of all facets of infrastructure – physical, educational, health, social, etc. All these call for profound work, urgent and appropriate responses and indeed solution.
The vision of governance is based on an Agenda for National Rebirth and Prosperity for all Nigerians through commitment by an exemplary leadership, hard work, and a productive economy. These efforts and motivation derive from reflections on the past, firm knowledge of the current state of the nation, social inclusiveness and foresight for the country’s rebirth. The welfare and wellbeing of the Nigerian people, irrespective of circumstances of their birth and physical location in and outside the country shall constitute the driving force.
Anchored on an exemplary leadership, this vision is characterized by giving service and not being served; humility and humaneness not haughtiness; listening to people not talking down on them; knowledgeable and proactive not reactive in policy and action; and self-sacrifice not self-serving.
Our Agenda is for overall enhancement of the wellbeing and productivity of Nigerians with policies and programmes to guarantee the objectives of welfare, national rebirth and prosperity, equitable distribution of wealth and resources, an environment of uninterrupted economic and social activities, and stable infrastructure.
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1. Poverty ReductionOur New Policy ThrustMDGs are good benchmarks for fighting poverty. Unfortunately, we are not even likely to meet them in 2015. Therefore, we shall continue to vigorously pursue and fast-track the process of attainment of the MDGs by strengthening the MDG offices and infrastructure, more resource allocation and relevant officials.
Review other existing poverty alleviation institutions, structures and programmes with a view to strengthening them appropriately and drawing from our experience with NDE, People’s Bank, DFRRI, Better Life for Rural Women, etc.
Review and strengthen the microfinance banks, particularly by easing the bureaucratic burden that increases their overhead, and orienting them to lend funds to communes like cooperative societies and not just to individuals.
Engage the communities in devising tools to fight poverty.
Engage the private sector to ensure that their activities are aligned with the policies of government at the three levels of our federal system in order to radically reduce the poverty scourge.


Current StateOfficially, 70% of Nigerians are poor
All indicators point to an escalation of poverty with inability of people to take care of their basic needs
Poverty is linked variously to social unrest, conflicts and insecurity, criminality, rising morbidity and mortality, rising scare of health hazards such as HIV/AIDS, decline in education and a resurgence of illiteracy.


Our Past Efforts/PolicyWe acknowledged the debility of poverty, and in response to the perceived possibility that the Programme of Structural Adjustment (SAP) would increase the level of impoverishment, we introduced in the late 1980s policies and measures to cushion the negative effects of the adjustment programme such as Better Life for Rural Women, DFFRI, Community Bank, NDE, NERFUND and People’s Bank.
However, these policies were not as fulfilling as we had desired, particularly with the role of subsequent governments. Presently, there is room for huge improvement if we must tackle the contemporary escalating challenges of poverty in Nigeria.




2. Employment Wealth CreationOur New Policy ThrustReview existing policies and structures with a view to strengthening them along lines of best practices and desirable results.
Recognizing the multidimensional and multistakeholder character of unemployment, government will provide the platforms for Public Private Partnership and community involvement. Our initiatives in this regard will involve directly creating employment through public works programmes with massive investment in infrastructure and social services; and also induce private sector job opportunities.
Necessary legislation will be generated, and collaboration with the states and local government.
The target will be to generate a minimum of 2 million jobs annually.
Scale and speed up agriculture from mere food production and cash crops to agro-processing, which creates synergies between agriculture, manufacturing and the informal sector.
Bring the rural unemployed into focus of the national fight against unemployment, particularly in partnership or collaboration with the States, Local Governments as well as the Private Sector.
Greater attention to be paid to the relatively weaker segment/socially marginalized sections of the populace, especially women, youth and the physically challenged.
The role of MDGs and NEPAD programmes in employment/wealth creation will be strenthened and fostered.


Current StateRising unemployment particularly, the rising pool of young unemployed Nigerians;
Youth unemployment has far reaching social consequences – crime, unstable families, etc.
Even more problematic is that a lot of unemployed youth are unemployable because they do not have the requisite skills for relevant work;
Excessive focus on regular education and devaluation of vocational education.


Our Past Efforts/PolicyEstablished:

NDE
BPE
People’s Bank
Community Bank
NERFUND
NALDA
Export Processing Zones
However, the policies and efforts were truncated for the reason of lack of continuity.
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3. Scourge of Insecurity and ConflictsOur New Policy Thrust➢ One of the most important responsibilities of the state is the protection of life and property of people within its jurisdiction. Accordingly: • We need to take greater proactive measures of institutional and procedural reforms. • There are local security competences and resources which the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) does not have and are unable to meet. In many states, local vigilantes are recognized by the NPF. Therefore, the Federal Government will speedily and consistently work with the National Assembly, the states and local governments to critically review the relevant constitutional provisions so as to create a new “Police and Policing Structure” that fully involves the communities, local governments and the states. • Other Security Forces such as the Customs and Immigration, and Intelligence Services will be greatly strengthened for greater surveillance and enforcement of security rules and regulations, especially with reference to the unacceptable inflow of dangerous implements, small arms, etc.


Current StateSecurity of life and property, which is guaranteed by the Constitution, is increasingly violated with the spate of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, assassinations, cultism, bombings/terrorism, inter-communal killings, and extra-judicial executions.
Insecurity is presently a national phenomenon and knows no class, ethnic or religious identity or location.
The amount of small arms and light weapons, as well as explosives that are illegally in circulation are not monitored and controlled.


Our Past Efforts/Policy• Creation of five new Police zones • Institutional reforms to cope with the challenges of insecurity, including improved intelligence gathering. ➢ However, the problem has continued to escalate.
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4. HealthOur New Policy Thrust• Continue to align our health policy to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) specifically by reducing maternal mortality by 75% by 2015; reduce under-5 mortality by one-third by 2015; increase the life expectancy of Nigerians to 60, and half the current prevalence of HIV/AID. • Provide full coverage of primary healthcare to all Nigerians before 2015. • Systematic partnership with states, local governments and private sector providers to improve healthcare delivery facilities; • Strengthen the training of healthcare sector practitioners; • Provide improved healthcare infrastructure; • Vigorously encourage local production of essential drugs. • Support for research and development relevant to the health sector at all levels and dimensions.


Current State• Average life expectancy has fallen to 47 years • High maternal mortality, only second to Afghanistan • High infant mortality • Rising levels of communicable diseases – malaria, tuberculosis, etc. • Rising levels of chronic diseases – diabetes, etc • Prevalence of HIV/AIDS – a huge strain on our already overburdened health infrastructure, hence declining healthcare delivery services. • Near crisis in health manpower due to inadequate numbers and poor training. • Poor coverage of health facilities, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels. • Poor access to healthcare facilities by the ordinary people, especially the poor and rural populace • Absence of co-ordination of healthcare institutional providers. • Absence of top quality health centres, public as well as private.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• Strengthen the primary healthcare system • Created a framework for a national three-tier healthcare delivery system: primary, secondary and tertiary. • Immunization coverage rose to 85% in 1987/88 but has since declined to about 27%. • Established specific programmes for training community health workers, with appropriate inducements for such work to appreciate the necessity of service in the rural society.
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5. EnergyOur New Policy Thrust• Achieve national energy security based on efficient energy mix, and diversification of sources into new areas, particularly renewable sources of energy such as wind, coal, solar, geo-thermal ocean, nuclear and waste. • Develop modern energy infrastructure. • Improve transmission and distribution, including support for local production of electricity, transmission and distribution equipment. • Create partnerships with the private sector in transmission and distribution, etc. • Make Nigeria the petroleum refinery hub of Africa, and self-sufficient in refined petroleum products. • Accelerate the process of acquisition and diffusion of technology and managerial expertise needed for increased indigenous participation in the energy sector. • Facilitate the construction of gas lines for the purpose of generating electricity. • Work with the National Assembly and the States for relevant legislation, and also cooperation to open up or liberalize the power and energy sector for more meaningful and result-oriented activities by serious operators in the private sector.


Current State• The energy sector is in a very bad shape. Nigeria’s endowment in hydrocarbons and other resources is enough to make any country a leader in the production of modern energy products and services for local consumption and export. Unfortunately, Nigeria is a net importer of finished petroleum products. Maximum 40% of Nigerians have access to electricity. Nigeria distributes between 1,200 and 3,200 megawatts of electricity. • Most of the country’s facilities are not generating at full capacity. For instance Hydro Kainji (60%), Shiroro (45%) and Jebba (40%), while Jos and Oji River are non-operational. Afam, Egbin, Sapele and Delta which are collectively supposed to provide the country 3540 megawatts are operating far below capacity because they are constantly affected by instability of gas supplies. • Above all, we have not been able to diversify to other viable options such as coal, wind, solar, ocean, geothermal, nuclear, etc. • In recent times, government has planned for National integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) to provide 6,000 and 10,000 megawatts. Unfortunately, none of the IPPs has come on stream, yet colossal public funds are alleged to have been expended. • Beyond generation, transmission and distribution facilities are in a parlous state. Presently installed transmission facilities are only capable of transmitting only 4,000 megawatts. Even at that, we are only currently transmitting about 60% and distributing about half of that figure.

Our Past Efforts/Policy➢ In order to have stabilized power supply, we: • built Shiroro • refurbished Kainji and Jebba • refurbished Afam • develop Egbin and Sapele ➢ In the oil and gas sector, we: • took the initiative to sign the first-ever MOUs with the International Oil Companies to increase Nigeria’s reserves; and invited other international players such as Statoil to join in exploration and production • actualized the Bonny LNG project which had been on the drawing board since 1962. • built the second Port Harcourt refinery; constructed petroleum storage reserves and expanded pipelines distribution • laid the foundation of the Eket Oso Condensate plant in 1991.
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6. Citizenship Our New Policy Thrust• The challenges posed by citizenship and the National Question are due for a proper review of the constitution and even more importantly for social and political engineering. • Relying on past efforts and result of our policy in this area, we shall not only review these matters in collaboration with the National Assembly, but also emphasize the need for good leadership and good social and economic policies across the country. • Accelerated economic growth and good governance will help to deflate communal conflicts and crises; hence induce the quality of Nigerian citizenship.


Current State• Nigerian citizenship is constitutionally guaranteed to all Nigerians and naturalized persons. • The question of citizenship has been befuddled by the National Question which embraces the phenomena of citizenship, indigeneship and settlership. The crises arising from this befuddlement have fuelled more conflicts and distorted the rights and socio-economic conditions of citizenship in the country. • The crises have had far-reaching negative consequences for peace and security, as well as socio-economic activities in many parts of Nigeria.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• In the not too distant past, we had attempted to deal with this matter through policies and programmes of social, economic and political integration. Accordingly, it is on record that efforts of that time made it possible for Nigerians who otherwise are settlers to contest and to win elections, for example, in Kaduna, Kano, Niger Plateau, Lagos and Sokoto States. • Relative peace and confidence in being Nigerians citizens prevailed for socio-economic co-existence and community livelihood.
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7. FederalismOur New Policy Thrust• There must be more federal institutions and presence in all parts of the country; • Support a review of the Constitution in respect of fiscal federalism in order to direct more resources and responsibilities to the federating units, and local communities; • Though not federating units, there is greater need to strengthen local government areas as a structure in our federal system; • Seek appropriate legislation and cooperation with the states for a robust and accommodative approach to urban and city renewals – physical and social infrastructure.


Current State• There is confusion about the federating units in Nigeria – whether the units are the states or the ethnic nationalities. • Structure of the Federation itself is an issue, particularly regarding the allocation of resources and responsibilities among the federal, state and local governments.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• created new states as centres of governance, politics and development; • Created more local governments with constitutional provisions for direct allocation of revenue from the Federation Accounts in addition to independent generated revenue by the local governments; • Expanded cities and opened new governance spaces, social and economic opportunities, as well as development hubs.
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8. Environmental IssuesOur New Policy Thrust• Create a safe environment in which Nigerians can pursue the highest levels of health and wellbeing through a proper system of environmental monitoring, protection and remediation, and based on internationally recognized best practices. • To this end, (a) the Federal Ministry of Environment and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies whose mandates relate to the environment will be strengthened through improved funding; increase their technical capacities in environmental monitoring, protection and remediation and improve training and skill acquisition; (b) institute a comprehensive audit of the environmental consequences of the petroleum industry in the Niger Delta with the aim of remediation and restitution where necessary, particularly regarding the lingering problems of gas flaring and oil spillage; (c) partner with the relevant states, local governments and the private sector to conduct research into ways of reducing the levels of fossil fuel, increasing the contribution of renewable to our energy requirements and balanced exploitation of the country’s natural resources in which sustainability and renewal will be central; (d) tackle more vigorously desertification, soil and coastal erosion and systematically document and more contemporary knowledge systems; (e) be more vigorous in meeting the country’s obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to which Nigeria is a party, and provide leadership in international environmental negotiations. • Will tackle the rising problem of movement and dumping of hazardous and dangerous products and wastes, particularly under the ambit of the Basel Convention (on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal); and revival of the Bamako Convention (on the Ban of the import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa).


Current State• Although there is a Ministry of Environment, its impact has been of limited value. • There is inadequate monitoring of the status of the quality of the Nigerian environment from the Coast to the Sahara. Consequently, there is a paucity of data on the quality of the Nigerian environment in all ramifications. • Most importantly, the impact of the petroleum industry on the Niger Delta environment is yet to be properly explored, particularly gas flaring, oil spills and sundry decimation of the fragile mangrove forest, and marine assets. • Erosion also continues to be a major source of challenge. • Desertification remains a major problem in the northern part of the country with consequences for communities and livelihood. • Poor waste management in all parts of the country. • Nigeria has not been pulling its full weight in international negotiations on environment and climate change as a leading voice for Africa.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• We recognized the rising importance of environmental issues both domestically and internationally. • We established FEPA from the Ministry of Works and constituted it into an independent parastatal. • However, the challenges facing the country presently in the area of environment have expanded from what they were two decades years ago. We need to be more proactive.
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9. EducationOur New Policy ThrustGiven the centrality of education in this knowledge-driven age, Nigeria requires a globally competitive educational system with a clear definition of her education philosophy. Accordingly , the new policy shall focus on: • Institutional reforms to ensure quality and relevance; • Clear delineation of responsibilities for all tiers and levels; • Further enhancement of appropriate funding for the education sector at all levels; • Greater collaboration between the government, communities, the organized private sector and other stakeholders to enhance standards and quality of education; • Improve supervision and quality control of educational standards, at all levels of education, including private sector providers of education; • Better provision and renewal of educational infrastructure; • More improvement of the environment for teaching and learning – buildings, libraries, etc; • Broaden access to quality and relevant education for all.


Current State• Only 2% of candidates passed the 2010 NECO examination – a pointer to the deep crisis in Nigeria’s education sector at all levels. • Untrained teachers, poor infrastructure, inept management and inadequate capacity to admit candidates feature prominently in the operation of the education enterprise. • Absence of an articulated philosophy of education coupled with examination malpractices at all levels appear to be the bane of the system. • Lack of clarity in the allocation of responsibilities in the three tiers of education confuses the system. • Poor funding, and poor funds management at all levels. • Inability of government to meet the 26% datum of funding stipulated by UNESCO and quality control at all levels constitute major system challenges. • Absence of a statutory commission to regulate education at the secondary school level affects the quality of products. • Poor working environment requires urgent attention. • Lack of government support for the development and deployment of books and educational materials. • Insufficient and poor reading culture and access to modern teaching facilities • Inadequate and non-existing infrastructure in schools and institutions. • Contemporary practice by parents in preference to educate children in neighboring countries such as Ghana represents a vote of no confidence in the education system.

Our Past Efforts/PolicyWe strengthened the Nigerian educational foundation through: - established a Primary Education Fund to ensure prompt payment of salaries to teachers; - Established Education Tax Decree of 1993, now ETF, aimed at sharing the burden of funding of education with the organized private sector. • ASUU/FG agreement of 1992 which stemmed the brain drain from Nigeria • Established many specialized Universities – agriculture, technology, etc. • Deregulation of higher education which paved way for private universities. • Established many specialized centres such as the Mathematical Centre.
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10. Physical InfrastructureOur New Policy Thrust• In conformity with the philosophy earlier stated, there would be a new regional policy with optimal inter-nodal pattern for the country. Specifically, the following major infrastructure would be built, among others; − A 2nd Niger Bridge across Asaba to Onitsha − East –West Roads and Railways − Railways development plan for Nigeria − Air and Sea ports development


Current State• The objective of infrastructure is to foster and enhance the social and market integration of Nigerians. The present state of infrastructure has not addressed this issue meaningfully. The roads are dilapidated, railways hardly efficient, air and sea ports call for greater attention. • The Federal Government is unable to fund and maintain trunk A roads leaving the state governments to intervene all over the country.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• FG and State governments collaborated with the old DFRRI to have a road management and maintenance policy; • The 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos, and over 24 other bridges nationwide were built and maintained; • Constructed and maintained dualized highways across the country; • Road networks in Abuja phase I were built; • Construction of certain strategic railways, for example, Itakpe- Ajaokuta- Warri line (abandoned by succeeding administration); • Construction of many other strategic infrastructure, namely: − Abuja International Airport phases I and II − Presidential Villa (Aso Rock) Abuja − Major public buildings such as the Federal Secretariat, International Conference Centre and Military Installations in Abuja, and Onne Sea port near Port Harcourt.
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11. Niger DeltaOur New Policy Thrust• We shall sustain the peace and amnesty process and strengthen the NDDC and the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry • Ensure the implementation of the Master Plan • Ensure participatory rights for Niger Delta communities • Ensure that the oil companies (international and national) fulfill their corporate social responsibilities to the society and communities.


Current State• Notwithstanding the setting up of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the Peace (Amnesty) Plan, the Master Plan, and NDDC, the Niger Delta remains highly underdeveloped, environmentally degraded and socio-economically deprived resulting in disillusionment, widespread discontent and insecurity. • There is absence of meaningful infrastructure, continuing destruction of ecology and gross poverty.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• In response to the Niger Delta situation, we had, in the past not only acknowledged the region’s problem but had also introduced: - Exclusive and enhanced revenue derivation allocation - OMPADEC which was aimed at massive development of physical infrastructure.
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12. CorruptionOur New Policy Thrust• We need to attack the cultural foundations of corruption through an elaborate value reorientation process that can actively criminalize this cankerworm. The battle must be waged firmly and fairly across society. • Will re-establish the traditional value systems and the best traditions of the free market ethos. • In addition, the existing agencies such as EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, will be sustained and strengthened in law, funding, independence and focus. • Will mount an organized anti-corruption campaign structure similar to the defunct MAMSER. • Anti-corruption Leadership by Example will be a hall-mark of public policy and governance.


Current State• Corruption remains the single greatest obstacle to the progress and well-being of Nigeria. Corruption is perhaps the ultimate social cancer since it afflicts every process, transaction and human action. It has negatively branded our nation in the ranks of the lowly and hurt the pride of our people, majority of who have no hand in the infamy of corruption. • Since laws, regulations, procedures and processes and their enforcement can always be circumvented or compromised, the institutional order of society is eroded. There is, in economic terms, a loss of competitiveness due to the high cost of transactions and the attendant hemorrhages. • In an increasingly interdependent world, the prevalence of corruption in both the public and private sectors has continued to undermine even our best efforts at economic reform. • The anti-corruption institutions of EFCC and ICPC have shown some commitment to combat the menace of this problem. However, the results have been less than satisfactory.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• Specifically, we inherited a system in which corruption was rife. The perception that our government was unduly corrupt or ‘institutionalized’ corruption is incorrect. • Institutions were established by our administration to tackle corruption. They included NDLEA, renewed Police Special Fraud Unit, Anti-economic Sabotage Unit in the SSS, and an Economic Intelligence Unit in the Defence Intelligence Agency. • Indicted members of our government, be they Ministers or Military Governors were brought to book. Note: (On the issue of our personal wealth, it should be noted that as a person or leader, I am the most investigated former leader in Nigeria, yet close to 20 years after leaving office, I have not been indicted for corruption or for misappropriation of public funds.)
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13. Political Party System[The political party system is crucial for the functioning and sustenance of democratic governance. Historically the parties are agents for policy formulation, recruitment of leadership and articulation of policies for governance].

Our New Policy Thrust• We shall support the multi party system, but collaborate with the National Assembly, civil society and other relevant political forces so as to generate more democratic value and institutional coherence of the party system.


Current State- Nigeria has about 60 political parties presently. - Most of the parties are weak. - The parties are unable to perform their functions as agents of democracy and good governance.

Our Past Efforts/PolicyWe established a two party system in order to socially engineer coherence and ideological bases for the functionality of the party system, democracy and good governance.
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14. Electoral ReformOur New Policy Thrust

Current StateWidespread dissatisfaction by Nigerians with the electoral system; and a national clamour and demand for its reform.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• We are aware of the current efforts on electoral reform by the executive and the legislature arising from the electoral reform committee, aka, Uwais Report, and will lend appropriate support for electoral reform. • In the past, our concerns for transparency and openness had led us to experiment with the open ballot system and the counting of votes at the polling stations. Accordingly, we shall work with the legislative arm to complete the reform process.
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15. Gender and WomenOur New Policy Thrust• Revisit, review and institutionalize the Better Life for Rural Women programme; • Sustain and strengthen the Ministry of Women Affairs and deepen the focus of the ministry at the three tiers of the federation; • Encourage greater involvement of global NGOs and CSOs in all aspects of gender and women affairs; • Address the constraining traditional practices, attitudes and norms on gender and women, for example, the caste system in the south east zone of the country; • Review existing legal and policy framework for women affairs; • Ensure that all International Protocols and Conventions are duly domesticated and implemented.


Current StateSome progress has been made on the issue of gender and women: • Women’s voices are stronger than ever • Women labour-force has advanced in political governance and participation, education and health • Affirmative polices and action have been introduced, and also micro finance and credit schemes • Women are increasingly learning to take control of their own livelihood and bring their perspective to bear on decisions affecting their own families, communities, nations and the planet However, many objectives of women empowerment have still not been achieved in commensurate degree to their statistical strength. Hence the fundamental objective of creating a just and equitable environment for women remains problematic. Thus: • Poverty among women has increased; the terms and conditions of women’s employment have not improved appreciably; • Persistence of constraining traditional practices, attitudes and norms; • Relatively poor access to healthcare; • Low literacy and low access to skills and economic resources; • High level of maternal mortality; • High or greater vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and its impact; • Low representation in critical governance and decision-making structures; • High level of feminization of poverty

Our Past Efforts/PolicyHeightened acknowledgment of gender and women as a critical and developmental issue, hence, among other things; we established: • Better Life for Rural Women programme; • The Women Centre, and then the Ministry of Women Affairs; • Micro-finance schemes to aid the cause of women affairs, for example: Peoples Bank, and Community Banks; • Primary Health-care schemes and other health related programmes; • Poverty alleviation schemes, favorable price regimes for primary commodities and improvement of rural transportation and rural economy.
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16. YouthOur New Policy Thrust• Policies that empower the youths shall be sustained and strengthened. The NDE, skills acquisition centres, polytechnics and monotechnics will be strengthened to prepare them for much more productive engagement. • Sustain and increase micro-finance institutions for easier access to funds for entrepreneurial engagement. • Establish functional leadership and development centres in all local governments . • Improve literacy and numeracy among Nigerians. • Educate and sensitise the youths on communicable diseases such as TB, Hepatitis, STDs etc. • Sensitize the youth on teenage pregnancy and illicit use of drugs. • Create more avenues for recreation.


Current State• The condition of youths continue to be alarming; they are amenable to all manner of engagement including criminality, cultism, mass unemployment, dropping out of schools, limited access to quality education and skills, and being prone to high rates of HIV/AIDS infection, among other ailments; • Increased restiveness and disillusionment.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• Acknowledgement of youths as a critical factor of development, hence the policy to engage them in politics and governance – “new breedism”. • Policy on NDE to train, equip and take the unemployed youths off the streets. • Established more polytechnics, technical schools and skill acquisition centres to empower youths for a more productive future.
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17. SportOur New Policy Thrust• Sporting talents of the youths shall be enhanced. Towards this goal, and in collaboration with the states, the practice of inter-state sporting competitions shall be encouraged.


Current State• The present state of sports is deplorable and hence unable to enhance sporting talents that abound in Nigeria; for example, sporting facilities are barely existent or in a state of disrepair.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• Sports were greatly supported and as a result, many laurels were won by Nigeria in various sporting activities.
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18. Delivery of JusticeOur New Policy Thrust• Review and reform of evidence and procedure laws to enhance speedy and fair delivery of justice; • Review of the laws establishing the security and law enforcement agencies to make them more effective and responsive; • Introduce measures for effective case management; • Strengthen the independence and integrity of the judiciary; • Provision of better infrastructure for the Police, and for all agencies of intelligence gathering, surveillance of criminal conduct, investigation and prosecution; • Develop a system and capacity for training and retraining of judicial officials; • Enhance working conditions of the judiciary; • Much better involvement of communities to provide justice delivery through maintenance of security, law and order in communities and neighbouhoods; • Support organized traditional rulers with particular references to their role in traditional justice delivery subject to the human rights provision of the constitution.


Current State• Public frustration with ineffectiveness and delay in delivery of justice; • Inappropriate rules and procedures as well as facilities; • Apparent corruption in the criminal justice system • Inadequate protection of the rights of suspects and the large pool of persons awaiting trial; • Inadequate capacity for intelligence gathering, investigation and prosecution.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• Reviewed outdated laws, including the consolidation of the laws of Nigeria; • Enactment of the administration of Justice Commission;
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19. EnvironmentOur New Policy ThrustGiven the increasing importance of environmental issues nationally and globally, Nigeria would be proactive in the following areas: • Addressing the plethora of environmental challenges facing Nigeria; • Comprehensive review of all policies and programmes dealing with the environment especially in soil conservation, desertification and erosion, biodiversity, pollution, gas flaring, etc; • Cooperate with international and national agencies for a better environment; • Encourage the development of eco-cities across Nigeria; • Place environmental issues on the front burner; • Plans and programmes to ensure sustainability for Nigerian development till 2050.


Current StateThe state of our environment is deplorable as indicated by: • Poor waste management; • Gas flaring; • Erosion; • degradation of mineral and oil bearing communities; • desert desertification; • deforestation; • pollution of water ways; • pollution and silting up water ways; • toxic waste dumping.

Our Past Efforts/PolicyConscious of the implication of the environment for sustainable development, the following actions were taken: • Establishment of FEPA, now Ministry of Environment; • Subscribed to all protocols on the environment for sustainability; • The Rio conference; • Establishment of a state of the arts laboratory that served the country and even neighboring nations.
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20. Foreign PolicyOur New Policy Thrust• There are national imperatives to review the assumptions which continue to inform Nigeria’s foreign policy and practice in recent times. • The international environment has changed while our fortunes have also changed. The imperative of this reality is that even in limited African engagements, Nigeria can no longer afford the luxury of unilateralism in the pursuit of its foreign policy initiatives. Nor can the country, even if we wished it, pursue an isolationist foreign policy. As it were, Nigeria is at a foreign policy crossroads. The options open to us do not admit of easy solutions or sentimental exertions; hence, the imperatives for a review of the fundamental basis of Nigeria’s contemporary foreign policy. • The influence and power Nigeria seeks to project abroad must be based on the systems and values which we need to sustain at home. In this regard, democracy must be viable and credible while the economy must be prosperous to carry the weight of power projection in order to avoid exporting weaknesses of the country. • Critical consciousness and pursuit of foreign policy which encourages Nigerian presence in the staff profile of international organisations and agencies.


Current State• Despite variations in styles and routines, Nigeria’s foreign policy has remained consistent, especially in such areas as the anti-apartheid struggle and decolonisation, peace support operations, technical and financial aid to African, Caribbean and Pacific nations, and support and cooperation with multi-lateral and UN agencies . Despite Nigeria’s commitment in the above mentioned areas, some issues which have impacted negatively on our foreign policy effectiveness have remained acute and worrisome. They include: ➢ Insufficient funding of foreign missions; ➢ Absence of effective inter-agency coordination; ➢ Inadequate protection of Nigerian citizens in foreign countries; ➢ Ineffective provision of Nigerian personnel in international organisations and agencies.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• Initiation of economic diplomacy; • Establishment of the Technical Aid Corps (TAC); • Enhanced support for multi-lateral cooperation; • More investment in peace support operations, particularly in ECOWAS region (ECOMOG); • The articulation of the concept of Medium Powers which had the effect of upgrading the profile of Nigeria in the UN and other multilateral organizations.
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21. Innovation and DevelopmentOur New Policy Thrust• The lacuna between industry and research poses the issue of a rethink. We shall carry out a thorough review of the causes of the apparent disconnect, and: ➢ Develop appropriate policy and programme responses ➢ Ensure that policy and programme responses are properly funded and monitored for appropriate results


Current State• There are many institutes and centres for creativity, research and development; for example: Raw Materials Research Council, PRODA, Mathematical Centre, NIPRD, FIIRO, CRIN. However it is clear that these institutions and centres have not made the desired impact because of: ➢ Underfunding ➢ Poor or insufficient staffing ➢ Poor facilities and infrastructure ➢ The disconnect between research and development

Our Past Efforts/Policy• The challenge of R&D prompted us in the past to set up some of the institutes listed above. However, the disconnect between research and development in operation of the existing institutes and centres have posed critical challenges which should be addressed.
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22. Family ValuesOur New Policy Thrust• Parents and children are the core elements in fostering family values. Accordingly, the welfare of children from pre-natal stage to adolescence shall be at the core of our policy thrust. • There shall be increased investment in anti – and post- natal healthcare, pre-school and compulsory schooling for every Nigerian child; • Benefits for working mothers; • Subsidized travel for school children; • Encourage parents to set up Trust Fund for every child; • Design policy and programmes to cater for “street children” and beggars; • Encourage parents to revisit the four children per family policy which we initiated about two decades ago; • Adopt policies which would emphasize the virtues of hard-work, service, honesty, integrity, merit and excellence and mutual tolerance to be driven by institutions such as MAMSER and NOA as agents of family value reorientation.


Current State• The family is the primary unit of every society; therefore, the nature and character of the family determine the quality of the state and society. It is the principal agency of socialization that transmits societal values and norms. • The state of the family today is under serious stress. It is therefore understandable that almost all the aspects of the state and society are collapsing; for example: education system, sense of human responsibility to community, work habits, parental care, and even guidance and counseling.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• It was partly in response to the crises of family values we established the programme of Better Life for Rural Women, Women Centre and Ministry of Women Affairs. • The objectives of MAMSER, subsequently NOA, were partly geared towards the sustenance of family values.
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23. Finance and BankingOur New Policy Thrust• Despite the banking consolidation and financial reforms of the past decade, it is evident that: ➢ the banking system remains weak with poor risk management and corporate governance priorities ➢ the financial system lacks depth ➢ interest rates are too high, indeed usurious, helping to inhibit real sector growth; • Hence, the financial system reforms will be strengthened; fiscal, monetary and credit policies will be made more transparent, predictable and better coordinated with the objectives of: ➢ single digit inflation; ➢ empirical internal controls and risk management, corporate governance system and efficiency in banks; ➢ improved bank access for all; ➢ correct intermediation of credit to the full advantage of the domestic economy, especially the real sector; ➢ monetary and credit policy, interest rate policy and exchange rate policy shall be fully responsive to the requirements of rapid stable growth; ➢ more effective banking supervision and formal system supervision; ➢ external mobility; ➢ greater buffering of the domestic system from global financial dynamics.


Current State• Monetary management currently operates through a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which has primary responsibility for monetary policy rate as the indicative rate for reserve money situated within an interest band and subject to periodic review by the MPC in line with prevailing financial and economic conditions. • The foreign exchange regime is based on the wholesale Dutch Auction System. • The banking consolidation exercise of 2005 reduced the number of banks from 89 in 1999 to 24 mega banks in 2006. The global financial crises of 2008 put the banking system under stress such that the CBN was obliged to: ➢ Intervene to salvage the distressed banks; ➢ Propose the establishment, by law of an Asset Management Company to take over toxic assets. ➢ The reduction in the number of banks introduced a lacuna which had to be filled by the CBN upgrading the community banks to the new Micro-Finance Banks (MFB).

Our Past Efforts/Policy• As a necessary complement to SAP, the Second Tier Foreign Exchange [SFEM] was launched in September 1986 with main objectives to: ➢ achieve a realistic market determined exchange rate for the Naira; ➢ eliminate frivolous demand for foreign exchange; ➢ reduce the pressure on the balance of payments. • As part of our past financial system reform, entry into the banking system was liberalized, subject only to qualifying new banks meeting the stipulated conditions, especially the increased capital base. • New types of agents were also introduced. The objective was to promote equality of access by all our communities, rural and urban to banking services. • Whereas in 1986, there were 29 commercial banks with 1367 branches, 12 merchant banks with 27 branches, and no community banks, by 1993, there were 66 commercial banks with 2358 branches, 53 merchant banks with 124 branches, and 879 community banks as well as 679 specialised financial institutions including the People’s Bank and the Urban Development Bank. • Intimately related to the financial system agents were the funding instrumentalities of NERFUND, Export Stimulation Forum and NEXIM schemes which was established to assist the rise of SMEs and export production.
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24. ManufacturingOur New Policy Thrust• A new industrial policy shall be put in place whose major objective shall be the attainment of a sustained diversification of the Nigerian productive base and export potentials to reduce the economy’s dependence on crude oil. Towards this goal, we shall encourage: ➢ SMEs on and off industrial estates nation-wide ➢ The engineering sub-sector shall be reinvigorated • Industrial extension services shall be introduced while some domestic industrial products shall be selected for export market penetration. • The new framework would ensure the emergence of high networth export free zones so as to achieve: ➢ New productive policy framework; ➢ Profound social order that guarantees peace; ➢ Unimpeded access to infrastructure; ➢ Sustainable arterial national network to exploit fully domestic trade potentials, and competitive human capital in furtherance of enterprise.


Current State• The manufacturing sector is a key driver of the national economy. However the sector is in a parlous state. The reasons for this are: ➢ The infrastructural base is severely eroded; ➢ The core activities like the steel plants, cement plants, textile mills, rolling mills, telecommunications, ports, petrochemical plants are either limpy or have virtually been deleted; ➢ Adverse pricing relations have severely eroded the citizens ability to participate meaningfully in market development.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• The SAP objectives empowered the entrepreneurial Nigerians to participate meaningfully in economic development; unfortunately the efforts were not sustained; • The SAP reform relied on instruments like NERFUND, NEXIM, etc, to provide institutional framework for the programme; • The initiative served as a catalyst that made SMEs thrive and grow in Nigeria.
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25. HousingOur New Policy ThrustThe increased roles for state and local governments in: • Formulation and enforcement of guidelines in the planning, zoning and management of human settlements; • The provision of requisite infrastructure including landscaping, parks, and recreational facilities • Enforcing existing guidelines for robust infrastructure • Employing matching grants for site and services schemes.


Current State• There exists an attempt by state governments to provide affordable housing in areas of their jurisdiction. However, there are challenges of affordability, demand – side management, and material inputs.

Our Past Efforts/PolicyWe took the following initiatives: • Housing policy; • National construction policy; • National Housing Fund; • Establishment of primary mortgage institutions; • Housing schemes.
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26. Transnational CrimeOur New Policy Thrust• Strengthen the agencies established for transnational crimes, e.g. EFCC, NDLEA; • Enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies, NIA, and Nigerian embassies; • Greater or intensified collaboration with foreign security and law enforcement agencies.


Current State• Embarrassing involvement of Nigerian citizens in transnational crimes reported in various countries • Large number of Nigerians are serving various jail terms in many countries of the world • Transnational crimes by Nigerians have eroded respect for Nigeria within the international community • Signatory to many conventions on transnational crimes.

Our Past Efforts/Policy• Established the NDLEA as a comprehensive response to drug trafficking and money laundering • Established Justice Kayode Esho Panel(Federal Ministry of Justice) to study and draft laws on economic and financial crimes • Mutual law enforcement assistance agreement with several countries.
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27. Commitment to Democracy and the Social Charter
• Democracy is nothing if it is not founded upon and does not operate in the framework of the rule of law. We are therefore strongly committed to upholding and sustaining the ethics and institutions of the rule of law in governance. • We are also committed to a renaissance in public confidence and societal reconciliation. • Similarly, there is a lot of work still to be done in the architecture of Nigerian federalism. We need to re-examine genuine agitations over proper functioning of the federal system as well as genuine de-concentration of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states and local governments. There is good cause in collaboration with the National Assembly and civil society for a review of the Nigerian federal system. • There exists an urgent need for a bold new social charter, setting out the rights of the citizens in relation to society and the state. There has been the tendency for blatant violation of the rights of citizens and derogation of the responsibilities of the state towards citizens. • We need to renew commitment to the values of the African traditional society with its extended family system, social bonding and associated assurance safety net, which have been in rapid disarray under the continued impact of rapid social change and globalization. • Government appears overwhelmed from the assault by sustained system mismanagement and poor economic performance. As a result, the bulk of the economically active population is in a quandary – without adequate means of livelihood, without the social assurance, and the safety net of the traditional extended family system. Particularly hard hit are the vulnerable elements: the disabled, old persons, retirees who hardly receive appropriate attention and humane understanding as well as payment regularly of pensions to those with entitlement; women, youth, and the unemployed whose ranks are steadily on the increase. The socio-economic predicament is more acute with the passage of time, and it portends grave dangers for governance and society. • We know that the human capital of any society is, in reality, its only ultimate resource. Accordingly, the imperatives of our Agenda demand a new and correct appreciation of our human resource. Therefore, we subscribe to the establishment of a Social Charter designed to help ensure that the state is a federalist arrangement with credible instruments for appropriate response to the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians. Top

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