2020 National Budget Roundtable and Panel Discussion On ‘The Art Of National Budgeting and Nigeria’s Debt Profile: Sectoral and Demographic Implications’

Background and Context

One of the highlights of the joint sessions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in October 2019 was that the debt profile of many developing countries, including Nigeria is rising. The implications of such rising debt can be far-reaching and will be different across developing countries especially in Africa due to a number of factors such as structural rigidities, weak economic diversification, institutional weaknesses, among others.  Despite the aforementioned, it is shocking to know that the Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to borrow 30 billion US Dollars. This would further increase the volume of Nigeria’s debt. On the other hand, many have argued that borrowing may not bad in itself but the its utilization cum ability to repay.

Thus, the proposed National Budget Roundtable and Panel Discussion with the theme ‘‘The Art of National Budgeting and Nigeria’s Debt Profile: Sectoral and Demographic Implications’ is timely and germane. It promises to provide fresh insights on the issue and further sensitise Nigerian citizens with evidence with respect to the implications. It is also imperative to underscore that despite the budget deficit over the years, the cost of governance remains very high in Nigeria. For example, over the last years, over 22% of total expenditure is usually earmarked for debt servicing, and unfortunately, not much impact is seen ‘on ground’ in terms of improved facilities and welfare for the citizenry.

  Date: Friday 20th March 2020

     Time: 10am

   Venue: CUCRID Auditorium, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Success Story of Previous Roundtable and Panel Discussion

That of 2019 was held in February with the theme ‘2019 National Budget: Pertinent Issues and Sectoral Impacts’, with experts from the academia, government agencies and private sector in attendance. Brief information is on our website at this link: http://cepder.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/roundtable-and-panel-discussion/. After the event, CEPDeR (Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research) made public some key highlights in national dailies for public consumption and awareness. (see the link to some of them). One of the key points stressed was the need for early passage of the budget. Thus, it was interesting to know that for the first time in this democratic era, the national budget was passed by the National Assembly in December, before the commencement of the 2020 fiscal year.

Expectations of the 2020 Roundtable and Panel Discussion 

The expectation of the 2020 Roundtable Discussion is to build on the achievements of last year and enlarge the scope of the discussion by incorporating the issue of national debt. It will also bring into context some of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) with respect to the issue demographic implications (i.e. the youth, women, among others). 

Registration is CLOSED!

Click Here to read the policy brief

Facilitators
We are drawing the Speakers/Panellists from agencies of government, private sector, and academia. The confirmed Speakers and Panellists include:

 

Ben Akabueze is a Nigerian economist and the current Director General of the Budget office for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administrators (FICA), he has over 25 years’ experience in Accounting, Consulting and Banking.	Oluneye Oluwole, a Congressional Recognition Award Recipient (August 2015) from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, US Representative, Texas 18th Congressional District. She is a development and communication expert with over 20 years’ experience in the private and public sectors.	Adekunle Salako is a former commissioner in Ogun State that served in 3 key ministries; Agriculture, Housing and Health, former member of the National Council on Health. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees/Advisory Board of 4 not-for-profit development NGOs and currently works as the COO of Klasik Healthtech & Pharma Nigeria Ltd.	Mr. Temitope Jebutu is General Manager at AACE Foods, one of the most innovative agribusiness companies in Nigeria. He is a Nigerian Agribusiness professional with over 15 years experience in Operations Management and working with multinational as well as international organizations.	Oluwasegun Osidipe is an Economist and a Trade Expert with deep knowledge and expertise in Trade Policy and extensive experience in the business management. Having worked in different capacities for over two decades, he is an active speaker on economic policy issues and public policy. He is currently the Director, Economics and Statistics, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).	Ada Peter is an Assistant Professor of Media and International Security at Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. She uses machine learning algorithms to analyze online Big Data that could predict acts of terror and armed conflicts in countries in Africa. She is a SUSI Scholar award recipient on U.S. National Security and Foreign Policymaking from the US Department of State.

Side Events

An important highpoint of the event is that the German Consul General, Dr Stefan Traumann will perform the Symbolic Handover of CEPDeR’s Equipment procured with the Equipment Subsidy Grant from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, Germany.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Senior Resident Representative and Mission Chief for Nigeria, Mr Amine Mati will be present.

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Swedish Alumni Association, Mr Chuka Stan Igwe, will equally be present at the event.

Also, the inauguration of CEPDeR’s Fellows will take place at the event.

Some of our partners include:

Partnership, Exhibition and Enquiries
For Corporate Participation and Exhibition, enquiries should be made using the details below:

Email: cepder@covenantuniversity.edu.ng or call: 08182466026

You can also contact

Evans S. Osabuohien, Ph.D

Professor of Economics & Chair, CEPDeR,

08028858727 & 08146678226; evans.osabuohien@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

Obindah Gershon, PhD

Co-Chair, CEPDeR,

08186456785; obindah.gershon@covenantuniversity.edu.ng