Public Private Partnerships, Essential  For Economic Growth – Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has identified Public Private Partnerships (PPP), as an essential avenue for Governments to leverage the expertise and efficiency of the private sector by means of raising capital and inspiring development amidst regional challenges.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this at the 7th annual lecture organised by the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN), in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while commending AFRPN for its contribution to nation building through public lecture series on PPPs, said with through Public Private Partnership, avenues are created to reassess business environment.

“This forum is, therefore, important as it helps to bring together stakeholders to consider the avenues for policy makers to reassess macroeconomic conditions affecting private sector development. Also, to provide the focus on reforms that are imperative for conducive business environment, supporting entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem that promotes productivity and better working conditions for business growth and sustainability”, she said

In a Lecture on the  theme “Economic liberation through public private partnership: a catalyst against neocolonialism in Africa” the President, African School of Governance, Professor. Kingsley Moghalu, emphasised that Public Private Partnership can only thrive if there is adequate investment in Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

Professor Moghalo, explained that although most African countries have achieved political independence from colonial powers, the economic freedom is  yet to be achieved, nations economies are still trapped in neo colonial stranglehold, which calls for PPPs.to over coming the challenge.

“PPPs represent an innovative approach to economic transformation in the context of a market-leaning developmental state. The journey toward economic liberation and the dismantling of neo-colonial structures requires deliberate action. By embracing PPPs, strengthening institutional frameworks and investing leadership development, we can leverage the private sector for development outcomes, avoid debt traps and pave the way for a self-reliant and prosperous Africa. Let us seize this opportunity to redefine our economic landscape, ensuring that future generations inherit a continent characterised by growth, equity and true sovereignty”, he explained

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, and a Former Nigerian Ambassador to the UN Security Council, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, said there was need Africa becomes the solution to issues rather than the problem .

“This entails African countries must build regional strategies, including strengthening African Union, African Development Bank, Afrexim Bank, ECOWAS, other sub-regional bodies and African standby force. To leverage energy and innovative vision of young people, ensure as the new world order takes shape, we are positioned for the continent to be part of solution rather than problem. Africans must put all instruments at our disposal to use as a shared responsibility for all, therein lies the effectiveness of PPPs,” Gambari said.

According to the President Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) Ambassador Gani Lawal, the lecture is an avenue to create opportunity to listen to perspectives of nodal International Relations professional who had followed and researched into Nigeria’s historical antecedent and economic governance.

He reaffirmed commitment to working with other stakeholders to uphold Nigeria’s Foreign policy.

“AFRPN will continue to extend its hands of fellowship to other departments that handle governmental activities across the frontiers of the nation. Particularly, some that are domiciled in our missions abroad to partake in our training on practical diplomatic protocol, which are essential in dealing with members of the public at home and abroad.”

Other Highlight of the event was presentation of plaque to the guest Lecturer Professor Kingsley Moghalu and Professor Ibrahim Gambari, by Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi, royal father of the day.

The Lecture with the theme:  “Economic Liberation through PPP (Public Private Partnership): A catalyst against Neocolonialism in Africa”, was designed to promote dialogue on global topical issues as it affects Nigeria and Africa.

Olusola Akintonde