Former deputy governors from across Nigeria have called on the Federal and State Governments to strengthen the nation’s productive base through industrial revival, youth empowerment, and sustainable policy implementation.
The call was made at the end of the 4th National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), held at the Abuja Continental Hotel from October 28–29, 2025.
The conference, with the theme, “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self-Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry and Innovation in Policy Implementation,” was chaired by HE Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, and declared open by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, who represented HE Senator Aliyu Wamako, the forum’s Co-chair.
In a communiqué signed by Dr Chris Alozie Akomas, National Chairman of the Forum, alongside Muktar Anka (Deputy National Chairman, North) and Barr. Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi (Deputy National Chairman, South), the FFDGN commended the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms and infrastructural renewal efforts, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy.
“The Forum commends the Federal Government’s efforts at enhancing national productivity and self-reliance and urges the strengthening of mechanisms that foster sustainable economic growth and inclusive prosperity,” the communiqué stated.
The forum emphasized that Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance requires policy continuity and institutional resilience. It recommended legislation to ensure that national development programmes outlive political regimes.
“Leaders must promote a long-term vision of productivity beyond political cycles, uphold integrity, and build resilient institutions,” the communiqué stressed.
The delegates urged the Federal Government to revive local industries, diversify the economy, and invest in agro-industrialization, solid minerals, and digital technologies.
They further called for a redefined industrial policy that prioritizes small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) as engines of job creation.
The Forum also pushed for greater collaboration among universities, industries, and government to fund research and innovation, while insisting that infrastructure such as roads and power supply remain critical enablers of productivity.
A significant portion of the communiqué focused on agricultural revival, particularly cocoa production. “Government should enforce the use of made-in-Nigeria fabric for school uniforms and reorient Nigerians to take pride in locally made products,” the communiqué read.
The forum further called for the strengthening of the Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry, as well as the National Orientation Agency, to promote youth participation in agriculture and production.
It also proposed the creation of low-interest credit facilities for farmers and industrialists, establishment of farmers’ markets and silos in every local government, and the re-establishment of commodity boards to manage post-harvest processes.
In order to achieve sustainable progress, the FFDGN encouraged the government to work with development partners to establish credit facilities, processing equipment, and storage technologies for SMEs and cooperatives.
