By Yusuf Garba, ABUJA
The former governor of Adamawa State, Barr. Bala James Ngilari, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was poised in transforming Nigeria through embarking on some infrastructural projects aimed at developing the country. Speaking as the guest speaker at the recently concluded ‘Political Economy and Leadership Summit 2025’ held in Abuja, the former governor declared that the business of nation-building, which is always an unfinished business, is not only about drafting policies, “but also about cultivating trust between government and the governed”.
The summit attracted the President of the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), distinguished guests, eminent scholars, policymakers, diplomats, captains of industry, among others, which has its theme on, ‘The Political Economy of Nation Building: The World’s – Unfinished Business’,
Welcoming delegates to the summit, Barr. Ngilari reiterated that nation-building is never a completed task, but a “continuous project that is renewed daily through our policies, institutions, and shared values. Nation-building demands intentional inclusive governance. A society that excludes some segments of its population, whether by reason of ethnicity, gender, geographical location, or economic status, can neither truly be sustainable nor experience meaningful all-around development. Inclusion is not charity; it is a political and economic necessity”.
Emphasising on the relevance of evidence-based solutions that are capable of providing a roadmap to good governance, Ngilari noted that only the deployment of data, research, and technology can be deployed in the war against poverty. Adding, “Therefore, our decisions must be anchored in science, rather than sentiment. Evidence saves resources, builds credibility and accelerates impact. Third, we must align our national efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are not just global aspirations; they are practical roadmaps for achieving stability, prosperity, and dignity for all. For Africa and Nigeria, this alignment is critical. We must invest in human capital and carry along young people who represent both the present and the future of governance to achieve the desired developmental strides”.
In advancing the cause of human progress, the United Nations has evolved 17 goals that should be tackled to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. Identifying populations as a major crux that determines what the future holds in realising these goals, the UN lists several issues relating to education, infrastructure, health and provision of innovation and industries that advance development are critical in the realisation of these SDGs. No nation can boast of advancing its progress without deployment of some of these effective economic policies as championed by political economists and leadership.
Referring to current efforts embarked upon by the incumbent administration, the former governor declared that the Tinubu-led administration was leaving no stone unturned “to transform the economy and embark on unprecedented infrastructural development like the super highway from Lagos to Kebbi State, Lagos to Calabar Coastal road project, among others. Beyond that, the administration has commenced implementing the bold Tax Reform system that protects low-income earners and exempts them. Though citizens are in pain as a result of some of these policy implementations, especially on removal of oil subsidies, among others, there are bright prospects at the end of the day, following the determination of the administration to walk through its vision and programmes”.
Ngilari thanked the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA) Canada, in collaboration with the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) for conferring on him the, ‘Distinguished Fellow, Certified Global Expert in Administrative Management’.
