Nigeria: Create Jobs, Build Infrastructure - World Bank, UN Tell Governors

Daily Champion

20 May 2011

Nigeria: Create Jobs, Build Infrastructure - World Bank, UN Tell Governors

Abuja — The World Bank and the United Kingdom (UK) Department of Foreign and International Development (DFID) yesterday challenged Governors of the 36 states to re-direct energies on how to improve the lives of the ordinary citizens in Nigerian.

This is just as Chairman of the Governors' Forum, Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara state also noted yesterday that the result of the just concluded elections has placed a heavy burden on all elected leaders to give democracy dividends to their people.

"The results of the Governorship elections across the country, expectedly, have had significant implication for the Nigeria Governors' Forum, especially in the composition of its membership. Four Governors lost their bids for re-election; 5 Governors, including myself, have completed the constitutionally allowed 2- term limit and therefore did not re-contest; 5 States did not hold governorship elections because of tenure elongation sanctioned by the Court; 9 new Governors were elected; and, 17 first-term Governors were re-elected for a second term. On behalf of the Forum, I congratulate all the Governors-elect, and especially the 9 new Governors who are just joining our fold"

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Onno Ruhl, World Bank Representative in Nigeria urged the elected leaders to focus attention on people oriented projects that will capture the needs of the common people

Rhul who applauded the passage of the Sovereign Wealth Fund bill into law by the national assembly, also stressed that the establishment of the fund will ensure that resources are made available for the development of the much needed infrastructures in the country.

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Country director of the DFID, Richard Montgomery said the forum must focus attention on job creation, improving internally generated revenues, and help businesses flourish.

Montgomery said, "I want to pick up two issues that I feel are critical for the leadership in this room to convert to result. First is social and economic inclusion and second is public financial management that is your budget".