Prince Clement Agba, the Minister of State Finance, Budget and National Planning, has said that building the capacity of ministerial aides would enhance national development.
Agba said this at the closing ceremony of the capacity building programme for special advisors, technical assistants to ministers, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
“I thank all the participants who attended the training, raised pertinent questions and shared experiences on enhancing national development. I have heard a lot of good feedback from the programme.
“This training covered a wide range of topics from the critical features of the new National Development Plan 2021 – 2025, to the strategic framework for the plan, including an overview of the sector strategy, policy thrust and the implementation framework.
“It showcased a wide range of lessons from previous National Development Plans underpinning the President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve, to make the plan a truly national plan with the involvement of critical stakeholders, in a rare adoption of a participatory planning model by a Nigerian leader.
“I feel happy that this capacity building programme dwelt extensively on discussions around planning management and monitoring systems, measuring and monitoring project performance, barriers to performance management and how to overcome them.
“Including the principles of result-based management. I do agree with the consensus that each infrastructure project proposal, should have built-in required capacity needed to ensure its success,” Agba said.
He added that this would promote exchange of interactions and conversations between citizens, public officials, political institutions, and related entities.
The minister disclosed that “real work starts immediately and it should represent a new beginning in our concerted efforts to work together towards fulfilling the President’s goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.”
Agba appreciated Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Country Representative, Dr Vladimir Kreck, for his commitment and that of his organisation to the growth and development of the country.