WEST African Institute for Financial and Economic Management Director-General Prof. Akpan Hogan Ekpo has urged the Federal Government to invest in infrastructure to develop the economy. He spoke at the Inaugural Lecture of Centre for Financial Journalism at the Civic Centre, Lagos.
Prof. Ekpo, who delivered the lecture titled: “The Nigerian Economy in Distress; Policy Choices for Buhari’s Administration”, said investment in infrastructure would help the nation to survive the economic hardship facing it.
“If the Federal Government would invest most especially in power, even if it is 15 hours power supply that we have in the country, we will be able to enhance growth and generate jobs,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to create employment by hiring more young Nigerians into the police, immigration and customs among other agencies.
Prof. Ekpo urged the government to work towards changing the structure of the economy to industrialise the country and enable it begin manufacturing for exports.
“Once we are able to manufacture for exports, the value of our currency will be strengthened,” he said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Tolu Oladapo, noted that people must be sensitised to change their mentality and adopt financial integrity to enable the country survive its financial turbulence.