By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi.
A University Lecturer, Dr. Hussaini Tahir has observed that capacity building is central to sustainable economic growth and development, as capital is the greatest asset of any organization.
He said that one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria in the current millennium is the issue of capacity building to enhance productivity in the economy.
Dr. Hussaini Tahir therefore stressed the need for the Nigerian economy to be efficient and competitive in the new World order in which national frontiers no longer constitute barriers to human, material and capital flows.
The Lecturer, at an interactive forum organized by the Bauchi State Office of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) held in Bauchi, noted that sustainable development of any nation depends largely on its human capacity building.
Tahir, who heads the Economic Department of Bauchi State University, Gadau, explained that capacity building also depends on the kind of knowledge and skills acquired and its application towards the socio-economic transformation of the society.
“It was suggested that Government must heavily invest in capital projects which are self-financing/liquidating, educational programmes and social amenities to enhance productivity and create capacity towards economic recovery”.
According to him, government should strengthens policies of human capacity building in all strata of the economy, federal, state and Local Government levels.
Equally too, diversification of the economy to agriculture, mineral resources and tourism be accompanied with realistic economic plan that ensures youth participation and guarantees return on investment.
He said that private sector should complement government efforts by establishing youth empowerment programmes within areas of operations to enhance the capacity building of the people.
Dr. Hussaini Tahir also suggested for realistic plan of diversification reforms in the civil service, local, state and federal with emphasis on capacity building be vigorously pursued.
“Monetary and fiscal policies that will encourage one digit interest rate financial borrowing will strengthen and motivate entrepreneurs and industrialization which in turn facilitate human capacity building and sustainable development”.
He called for collective efforts of all towards nation building by avoiding primordial sentiments, eschewing greed and rededicating oneself to the Supreme Being.
Tahir concluded by quoting Mahatma Ghandi of India who said, “Things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity and worship without sacrifice”.
