Uzodimma Calls On Institutions, Businesses To Help Strengthen Economy

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged Nigerians, institutions, and businesses to strengthen existing Federal Government measures to stabilise the economy.

The Federal Government, he said, has taken action to revive the economy despite the current economic challenges.

The governor opened a two-day retreat on fiscal responsibility of sub-nationals and civil society organisations in Owerri, the state capital, organised by the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

Uzodimma expressed satisfaction that the FRC, established under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, Act No. 31, has continued to meet its challenges by not only raising significant public awareness of fiscal practices but also encouraging citizens to enforce the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 by utilising Section 51 of the FRA 2007.

The governor’s administration is implementing economic reforms to empower youths and digitalise the payroll of pensioners and civil servants to eliminate financial malpractices and ghost workers in the state civil service.

He emphasised that his administration’s mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery (3Rs) has resulted in ongoing road rehabilitation, consistent salary payments, and a long-term fight against corruption.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Chuks Chukwuemeka, praised the retreat’s theme, “Fostering Fiscal Accountability Sub-Nationals and Civil Society Collaboration,” as timely and relevant. He also commended the organisers for selecting the state for the exercise and assured them that his administration would continue to align with the worthy mission of the FRC.

In a lecture titled Fostering Fiscal Discipline: Innovative Practices for Sub-National Governments, Professor Uba Nnabue, Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC), emphasised the importance of “Fiscal Responsibility, Sub-National Government, and Fiscal Discipline.” He dismissed economic growth without human welfare and happiness as a sham.

The law professor emphasised the importance of democratisation in achieving freedom, stability, peace, and development. However, Nigeria is still struggling with these ideals and should strive to restore them.