Dr. Vitalis Obi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has emphasized the importance of gender-inclusive strategies in economic planning for Nigeria’s development.
Speaking at the 2024 Joint Planning Board (JPB) and National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Obi stated that such initiatives are crucial for stimulating economic growth and enhancing the welfare of women across the country.
Highlighting the transformative power of gender-responsive policy interventions, Dr. Obi advocated for improved access to finance for women through digital tools. He stressed that integrating both men and women in decision-making processes would create more resilient and prosperous societies.
“Economic planning is the catalyst for national prosperity, and gender plays an essential role in shaping economic outcomes,” he said.
He further noted the importance of incorporating gender-responsive approaches into Nigeria’s budgeting processes, policy frameworks, and development strategies, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches that prioritize gender in economic planning.
Dr. Plangsat Dayil, Director of the Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC), also called on policymakers to utilize gender-specific data effectively in planning. She urged the collection and analysis of data that highlight women’s economic participation, challenges, and opportunities.
In her remarks, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, pointed to the economic, social, and cultural norms that hinder women’s political participation. She highlighted that these norms contribute to societal disparities and marginalization.
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Similarly, Prof. Jerome Andohol, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Benue State, emphasized leveraging support from the World Bank and other agencies to enhance gender-inclusive policies.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the RMB Nigeria Think Summit in Lagos, urged Africans to view global challenges like inflation, environmental crises, and geopolitical tensions as opportunities for growth. He highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a potential advantage if digital skills and upskilling initiatives are prioritized.
“We must recognize that Africa’s future workforce can bridge global gaps as many other countries face aging populations. Our focus should be on equipping our youth with the digital skills needed to thrive globally,” Tijani stated.
He also emphasized the importance of technology and connectivity, citing ongoing investments in fiber optic infrastructure as crucial to boosting digital access and competitiveness on the continent. Leadership, he added, is essential for driving these changes, calling on both public and private sectors to take responsibility.
The RMB Nigeria Think Summit 2024, themed “Future Reimagined”, convened key industry leaders to explore the continent’s future in business, technology, and society.
Bayo Ajayi, CEO of RMB Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it provides a platform for critical discussions on positioning Africa amid global disruptions. Ajayi encouraged participants to adopt forward-thinking approaches, emphasizing that small, meaningful changes today will shape the future.
“With rapid changes globally, it’s crucial to prepare for the future by staying relevant through strategic and innovative actions today,” he concluded.
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