KadInvest 2016: El-Rufai laments dwindling Kaduna Economy, vows to restore it

By; Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna.
Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has lamented the lost of over 70% of economic activities over the years of the state, but however vowed to restore the state to its place economically as the second largest economy in Northern Nigeria.
‎The governor noted that the state development plan of 2016-2020 tagged ‘Delivering on jobs, social justice and prosperity’ reflects the state policy priorities, fiscal realism and evidence based goals and targets.
‎El-Rufai who spoke while declaring the Kaduna Investment Summit, titled, “KadInvest 2016; Let’s move Kaduna Into the Global Economy” open, added that to achieve the development plan, the state must tackle daunting challenges that are facing it.
“Our capital city remains Northern Nigeria’s second largest commercial city, but has lost up to 70% of its economic activities. It is also divided along religious, regional and ethnic lines due to religious and ethnic intolerance.
“Poor infrastructure, insecurity and unconvincing policies have deterred investments. Agriculture remains mired in low productivity, and in need of significant interventions. We have a duty to restore harmony and encourage shared prosperity.
‎”Our paramount focus going forward will be to implement this plan to the fullest by ensuring that it is realistic, affordable and capable of successful execution within the resources available to the State.
“All investments of infrastructure and service delivery will be undertaken in the most efficient and effective manner to provide full value for money. The political leadership will ensure discipline in the implementation of the plan.
“The civil service, public and political ‎office holders in the State will demonstrate good leadership and exhibit discipline and integrity in the conduct of the business of the State.
He however called for partnership of the legislature and judiciary, saying “this plan requires strengthening the partnership with the legislature and the judiciary which provides the legislation and secure legal environment for the implementation and monitoring of this plan.
“We also solicit the cooperation of our local Councils for effective service delivery. Government business will be conducted transparently and with full accountability to the citizens of Kaduna State. “