…To fast-track economic activities.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A state-level steering committee, under the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria (SEDIN) programme, designed to drive sustainable economic development in Plateau State, has been inaugurated.
Inaugurating the committee by the State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang (represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Josephine Piyo), the governor said the initiative is aimed at improving the competitiveness of Nigerian micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as create growth and jobs in the State.
According to him, SEDIN, which is being implemented by GIZ Nigeria, has an objective that is clear – which is to enhance the ability of Nigerian MSMEs to contribute to sustainable economic development.
He stated that, it would be achieved through a collaborative effort between private and public institutions, by improving the institutional, regulatory and procedural framework conditions for entrepreneurial activities, as well as facilitating access to new markets and innovative financing solutions, to create an environment that fosters job creation and economic growth.
The governor noted that, to ensure the successful implementation of SEDIN in Plateau State, a high-level, state-level steering committee is key to serve as a bridge between the program and state partners, particularly government partners.
Governor Mutfwang revealed that, the main role of the committee will be to provide support and guidance to the overall implementation of the program, review and monitor its strategic direction and participate in discussions on program planning and implementation.
He maintained that, the committee will support the development of the program’s scope, goals, outcomes, outputs, and activities in the state, as well as align the program’s objectives and strategies with the administration’s development priorities and bring together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to create an enabling environment for MSMEs to thrive, innovate, and contribute to economic growth and create jobs.
The governor urged all members of the committee to actively participate, collaborate and provide their valuable insights and expertise with the aim of building a bigger and a better Plateau.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Programme for SEDIN, Mr Marcus Vasco, in his remark stated that SEDIN and the GIZ had a 50-year relationship with Plateau State, providing interventions, investment promotion and others, which has yielded great economic benefits for the state.
He said that the aim of the SEDIN Cluster Programmes in the state is to promote sustainable and decent employment to the populace.
Members of the committee include, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau, as the Chairman, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner of Water Resources and Energy, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Commissioner of Women Affairs, and Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Others are Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning (Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partners), Commissioner of Higher Education, Commissioner of Agriculture, Director-General, Plateau State Microfinance and Development Agency, Centre Manager, Plateau State One-Stop Shop Centre/IPA, among others.