Nigeria can’t be industrialised without clear ideology — FES, NECA, others

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), the Industrial Global Union and other stakeholders have warned that Nigeria cannot be industrialised without a clear industrial policy and ideology.

The stakeholders, who spoke at the launch of an industrial policy book, titled: “Study report on industrial policy and state of industrialisation in Nigeria,” stressed the urgent need by the Nigeria government to come up with a clear ideology on her idustrialisation.

According to NECA Director-General, Mr Abiodun Oshinowo, who was represented by Adenike Ajala, said it is very important for a country that desires industrialization to have robust industrial policy.

“NECA represents the Organised Private Sector and our core mandate is to represent our members businesses both to create wealth for themselves and contribute to economic growth. Having a robust industrial policy is therefore very important to us.

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“As we all know, no policy is set in stone and has to be constantly reviewed in line with emerging trends. It’s also mindful to know that a policy has boomerang effect on decision making of any business as it can literally or break livelihood (employers and workers alike). No Economy can develop when policies are not known, implemented or are not stable. It creates fear and lack of interest in investment. This affects income generation and employment creation.

“We therefore commend the efforts of the writers to assess and proffer solutions on the way forward. I must say that, it is one thing to have a policy in place, it’s another for it to be circulated to stakeholders for their knowledge and implementation.”

The Chairman, Nigeria Council of the Industrial Global Union, Comrade Babatunde Olatunji, commended the efforts of FES for its unwavering roles since arriving Nigeria in 1976 and started influencing Nigerian workers by developing their capacity through training and education.

He said the book, being launched on industrialisation shall further reinforce other progressive efforts towards re-industrialisation of Nigeria.

“It is an eye-sore to see some of the former strong companies transforming into worship centers due largely to unfavorable economic policies of the successive governments in Nigeria.

“With this book therefore, we are hopeful that the concerned stakeholders shall appreciate the suggestions and strategies therein with a view to evolving sustainable policies on industrialization in Nigeria. It shall also strengthen our resource materials for policy engagement and advocacy.”