The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, has said that the closure of the nation’s borders has positively impacted the Nigerian economy.
The Federal Government had last year, closed all borders to ensure Nigeria is no longer a “dumping ground” for unwanted chemicals and spoilt products, among others, as well as promote local farmers/manufacturers.
Ahmed who spoke at a press briefing organised by her ministry in Abuja to announce the forthcoming 26th National Economic Summit, noted that Nigeria is close to attaining self sufficiency in rice production, while adding that the move also enhanced the performance of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria, as well as improved security across the country.
She said:
At the national level, the closure of the land borders is one of the boldest decisions ever taken by any administration to curb insecurity, smuggling as well as kidnapping.
This has in a positive way impacted Nigeria as we are closer to attaining self sufficiency in rice production than at any time in point of history in our country.
This spillover effect is also evident in other sectors, such as manufacturing, livestock, among others. This also provides an opportunity for the private sector to leverage increased local content and expand their businesses.
She explained that in order to ensure a competitive economy, Nigeria must have a stable macro-economic condition and business climate that would keep transaction cost low, drive savings, improve investments and create jobs.
READ ALSO: Dangote, Other Firms To Get 50% Tax Rebate For Constructing Road – Osinbajo
Ahmed noted:
This is where the role of government becomes critical in ensuring that enabling policies and strategies are put in place for the private sector to excel.
According to the Minister, the effective implementation of government policies enabled Nigeria to move 15 places to number 131 in the 2020 Ease of Doing Business report of the World Bank.
She further stated that the Government is also working on operational, regulatory and legislative interventions to enable the country to move up to position of 100 in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking.
She said:
As the nation awaits the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill and the Finance Act 2020, we will be working together as partners to make sure that the amended CAMA will be fully implemented.
