Moshood Karim
The Federal Government has commenced a five-day capacity-building workshop for staff from the Planning, Research, and Statistics (PRS) departments of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The workshop, which began on December 2, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State is focused on equipping participants with skills necessary for crafting Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030.
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the training highlights the pivotal role of PRS departments as the driving force behind government policy and program development.
Dr. Emeka Obi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, underscored the significance of the event, emphasising its purpose in preparing PRS staff for their critical role in shaping Nigeria’s long-term development aspirations.
“The PRS departments are the brain boxes of governance, responsible for formulating strategies that align with our national goals. This workshop sets the stage for greater coordination and efficiency in achieving Nigeria’s developmental objectives,” Obi stated.
Obi revealed that the Ministry has undergone structural enhancements, including the establishment of a Plans and Projects Department headed by a substantive director. This department is central to ensuring the effective coordination of plans and projects across MDAs.
He noted that the workshop is part of a series of initiatives aimed at preparing Nigeria for the transition to the successor plan of NDP 2021–2025. As 2025 approaches, the workshop will help PRS officers enhance their capacity to contribute to Nigeria’s Agenda 2050, which envisions the country as an Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC) and a global economic power by mid-century.
Day two of the workshop featured a lecture by Elder David Adeosun, a retired Director of the Federal Civil Service, on the topic “Planning for National Development: The Case for Plan-Based Budgeting.”
Adeosun highlighted Nigeria’s history of development plans, lamenting the lack of political will to implement them effectively. Citing Malaysia as an example, he explained how strategic planning can transform a nation’s economy when followed through with commitment.
“Development plans are not just theoretical documents; they require actionable budgeting and implementation. Nigeria’s plans must move beyond paper to deliver tangible results,” Adeosun said.
In another lecture, “Planning and National Development: Understanding the MTTS Methodology,” Adeosun delved into the importance of linking medium-term expenditure estimates (MTTS) to sector-defined objectives derived from national goals.
The lecturer emphasised that proper allocation of economic activities and structural changes are crucial to addressing poverty and achieving sustainable growth.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Chioma Nzewi, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the workshop.
She acknowledged the transformative impact of capacity building, particularly in equipping PRS officers with practical tools to translate research into actionable strategies.
Mr. Kenneth Kwujeli, Director of Plans and Projects, urged participants to leverage the training to craft impactful sector strategies that drive economic growth. “Investing in the skills of our planners is an investment in Nigeria’s future,” he said.
As the nation prepares for the next phase of its development agenda, the workshop aims to ensure that Nigeria’s policies, plans, and budgets are aligned with its aspiration to become a stable democratic society and an economic powerhouse by 2050.
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