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VISION20:20202, Economic Growth and the Nigerian Editor PDF Print E-mail
Written by Gbenga Adefaye   
Sunday, 12 April 2009 11:56
VISION 20 2020:
Economic Growth & the Nigerian Editor
By Dr. Shamsudeen Usman
Honorable Minister/Deputy Chairman
National Planning Commissio n

1. Introduction
1. The Vision
22. Concept of Visioning 

3. Similar Visions
2. Understanding Nigeria’s Vision 20 2020
11. Vision 2020: An Enormous Task


2. Vision 2020: Why we are Confident
3. Key Goals
4. Critical Success Factors for Vision 2020
5. 7 Point Agenda, National Development Plan and Vision 2020
6. Institutional framework
7. Recent Challenges and Opportunities
8. Policies for achieving Vision 2020
9. Implementation
3. The Nigerian Media and Vision 2020

1.0 Introduction:
The Vision
2007-2020
To make Nigeria among the 20 largest
economies in the world
by 2020

1.0 Introduction:
Concept of Visioning

First to the Skeptics:

1.
“Everything that can be invented has been invented”
-Commissioner of US Office of Patents 1899

2.
“Despite the TV being theoretically and technically feasible, I think it
is not commercially viable. I don’t see people sitting in their living
room looking at an image in a square box ”
-Lee De Forest, inventor of cathode tubes, 1926

3.
“Who wants to hear actors talk”
-Harry Warner, Warner Brothers Pictures, 1927
4.
“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their
homehome”
-Ken Olsen, ex-president of Digital Equipment Corp. 1977

5.
Initial prospects of NICON Hilton Hotel by Nigerian Bankers

1.0 Introduction:
Similar Visions
Kenya: Vision 2030 (2008 – 2030)
to transform Kenya into a newly industrialising, middle income country providing a high
quality life to all its citizens by the year 2030

macroeconomic stability  continuity in governance reforms
enhanced equity and wealth creation opportunities for the poor

Infrastructture
energy
science, technology and innovation (STI)
land reform
human resources development
security
public sector reforms


1.0 Introduction:
Similar Visions

India: Vision 2020 (1999 – 2020)
..
Transforming the nation into a developed country ;

Agriculture and food processing -with a target of
doubling the present production of food and agricultural products by 2020.

Infrastructure with reliable and quality electric power
including solar farming

Education and Healthcare to provide social security and
eradication of illiteracy, and health for all

Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communication Technology

Critical technologies and strategic industries to witness
the growth in nuclear technology, space technology and  the

defence technology.


1.0 Introduction:
Similar Visions
Malaysia: Vision 2020 (1991 – 2020)
To become a developped nation in its own mould by 2020
Establishing a united Malaysian nation made up of one
Bangsa Malaysia

Creating a psychologically liberated, secure and developed Malaysian society

Fostering and developing a mature democratic society

Establishing a fully moral and ethical society 

Establishing a matured liberal and tolerant society

Establishing a scientific and progressive society

Establishing a fully caring society

Ensuring an economically just society, in which there is a fair

and equitable distribution of the wealth of the nation

Establishing a prosperous society with an economy that is
fully competitive, dynamic robust and resilient


2.1 Understanding Vision 2020: An enormous task
..
Only 11 years left
2005 Goldman Sachs report projected that if Nigeria “got it
right on all critical success factors”, Nigeria could be
among top 20 by 2025.
President Obasanjo challenged Nigerians to do it in 5 years
less.
What has Nigeria got to do to achieve this?
What rate of growth?
What other institutional and structural reforms?
Are the other countries going to remain static?


2.1 Understanding Vision 2020:

Nigeria is currently 40th economy in the world. To overtake Turkey
(20th with 2008 as baseline); Nigeria has to :

Grow its GDP by 300% from US$ 210bn (2008) to at least

US$900bn (2020).
Achieve a GDP growth rate of 13 per cent or higher
From 2000 – 2008 Nigeria’s average growth rate was 7% (World

average growth rate was 3 per cent.)


Countries we hope to overtake are either at same level or growing
faster:
Malaysiia (5%)

China (10%)
India (7.4%)
Vietnam (7.60%)


2.1
Understanding Vision 2020:

To catch rivals you have to run TWICE as fast.

Nigeria’s Current GDP Per Capita: US$1260

This is where USA was in 1880

We will be where Poland and Mexico were in 1990 if

we multiply current GDP per capita by SEVEN.


Other countries GDP/Capita, relative to Nigeria’s:

Russia
9 times.

Malaysiia 7 times

China
4.5 times

Thailand 4 times


2.1

To produce the desired 2020 GDP:
60,000 MW electricity generating capacity required - against target of
6000 MW by December 2009. US$60 bn investment needed to meet
above requirement.
US$ 30 bn additional investment required in transmission and
distribution
 
US$50bn investment in railway modernization and expansion to provide
bulk transportation.


Huge investments required in:
Roads
National gas grid under the new gas master-plan
Ports and shipping services
Airports and aviation services
Reconstruction and expansion of roads
Educatition and manpower


2.1
Significant investment in Education in a short time
 
World Ranking of Universities

Highest ranked University in Africa is 200th in World (University of Cape
Town)
Highest ranked University in Nigeria is 74th in Africa (University of Ibadan))

Development of science and technology in a short time
Technological capability is significantly and positively correlated with
physical infrastructure
In a ranking of 75 countries, the USA ranks number one in knowledge
capacity, Malaysia 39, South Africa 39, Nigeria 66
..
Facilities for expanded and upgraded security services.
Achieving buy-in and a national consistency in a short period

 
Nigeria’s economic potentials
Recent conditions of growth seem right for launching onto a path of
sustained and rapid growth.

Need to sustain thhe momentum

Successes we can build on:
Anti-corruption campaign
Mr. President’s insistence on the Rule of law
Telecoms deregulation – a five-fold rise in teledensity 1999-2002
Debt Relief (Paris Club agreement, Oct 19 2005).
IMF: “Nigeria Has Turned the Corner”
Sovereign credit ratings by Fitch and S&P.
Nigeria’s international image still strong
JP Morgan report shows Nigeria as among least vulnerable to global
crisis
Recent Financial Times survey places Nigeria and Ethiopia as most favorable African potential investor destinations.
Countrywide enthusiasm and indication of interest from a wide array of
Nigerians and the international community.
The current Administration has committed to the Vision


John F. Kenedy’s 1961 vision to land a man on the moon before
the end of the decade.

In mid 1950s, US lagged behind Soviet Union in the Space race.
The US President himself admitted that it was difficult:


We choose to go the moon in this decade and do the other things,

not because they are easy but because they are hard, because
that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our
energies andd skills and because that challenge is one that we are
willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which
we intend to win” J.F Kennedy 1961

On July 20, 1969, the mission was accomplished.

Nigeria at threshold of a similar dream
..
Challenge as demanding and inspiring
Large percentage of Nigerians Skeptical.
Confident in our resolve and commitment
Confident of Mr. President’s resolve to transform
Nigeria.

2.3 Key Goals For The Vision
Polity
A peaceful, harmonious and stable democracy.
Macro Economy - A sound, stable and globally competitive
Economy economy with a GDP of not less than $900 billion and per capita GDP of over $4000 p.a.

Infrastructure
Adequate infrastructure services that support
the full mobilizatition of all economic sectors.

Education
Modern and vibrant education system with
opportunity and facility for every Nigerian to
achieve his/her full potential.

Health
A health sector that supports and sustains a
life expectancy of not less than 70 years

Agricllture

A modern, technologically enabled,
agricultural sector that guarantees national
food security and contributes significantly to
foreign exchange earnings.

Manufacturing
A vibrant and globally competitive
manufacturing sector with contribution to
GDP of not less than 40%


2.4 Critical Success Factors
The capacity to achieve the Vision depends on a
wide array of factors including:

The rate of economic growth measured by GDP per
capita.
The capacity of physical infrastructure (especially
electricity, telecomms and transportation).

The capacity, growth and accumulation of
knowledge particularly scientific and technological


The Human Capital Challenge: Employment, Formal
education, Science Technology and Innovation (STI)
The Urban Challenge: Urban renewal The Urban Challenge: Urban renewal, and elimination
and elimination of slums
Rate of change of the urban population in Africa and
Nigeria is highest in the world.
Urbanization without the economic basis to sustain
growth.

Big stress on key infrastructure: destroying production and decline in quality of life
Energy and the Environment.
 
The Political Economy and Institutions for

Development, Rule of Law and Accountability

Monitoring the Vision: Setting Clear Milestones and
Holding Persons and Organizations Responsible

Clear definition, which spells out the goals to be
achieved in all key sectors.

Leadership Commitment

Consistency
.
Shared Partnership and Ownership.
Must involve all key stakeholders
NESG and Some Universities already preparing blueprints.
Critical role for the Media

A holistic, coherent and integrated strategy supported
by realistic and up-to-date data and rigorous analysis.

Growing the Private Sector
Need to reduce the cost of doing business through:
Investor-friendly tax and other incentives regime
Provision of enabling environment to generate investor confidence
and attract greater flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Promotion of greater partnership between government and the
private sector
Privatization of public enterprises.


2.4 Critical Success Factors
Clear identification and promotion of leading growth factors; eg

Macro: Micro:
..
Demographics  Education
Openness Cost of Doing Business
Investment Legal Framework
..
Debt Political Climate Political Climate
Inflation Infrastructure

Studies commissioned to identify growth drivers for Nigeria
for Vision 2020


Other drivers of the Vision:

Sustained reforms

..
Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
The 7-Point Agenda


2.5
Mr. President’s 7 Point Agenda,
National Developpment Plan & Vision 2020
7 Point Agenda, National Development Plan and Vision 2020 all related.


2.6 Institutional Framework for Vision 2020
V2020 Framework being implemented, as approved by the FEC
National Steering Committee (NSC)
Short-listing of members of the National Technical Working
Groups (NTWGs)
Thematic areas revised from 41 – 29
Sensitization of MDAs and State Governments for their inputs
Relevant Ministers/Heads of MDAs to chair Stakeholder
Committees
Established Vision 2020 Secretariat
Support of MDAs, OPS and Development Partners
Set up Group of Economists to Identify Nigeria’s Growth Drivers
Invite memoranda from public
Need to take in views of Special Interest Groups
Traditional Rulers; Youths; Women; Judiciary, Legislature, Nigerians
in Diaspora, Physically Challenged, etc


Inauguration of the Business Support Group (BSG), to
Mobilize support and financial resources for the Vision
Ensure private sector participation in actualizing the Vision
Generate awareness on activities and programmes for
attainingg the Vision.
Selection of Coordinating Consultant to work with Committees
and Other Consultants
..
Original time schedule for Vision 2020 Preparation:
9 months – Now Revised to 7.5 months
From Vision 2020 we can derive 3 Medium-Term Plans
2007 - 2011
2011 - 2015
2015 -2020


2.6 Institutional Framework for Vision 2020
To ensure inclusiveness, ownership and buy-in
stakeholders, the Federal Government, the Private
Sector, and the Development Partners are expected to
contribute to the funding.

State Governments to fund their respective visioning
processes.


2.7 Recent Challenges & Opportunities
Current Global Crisis poses major Threats to Vision 2020
Many industrialized economies now in recession.

Slowdown in global economic growth. In 2008, world GDP grew by
3.9%, down from 5.0% in 2007. Global growth outlook for 2009 is
3.0%.


Weak global demand substantially reducing Nigeria's export
revenues.

Reduced oil revenues could swing Nigeria’s fiscal and current
account balances from surpluses to deficits affecting public sector

account balances from surpluses to deficits, affecting public sector
spending.
Declining flows of capital to Nigeria (FDI, ODA, Remittances) .

Capital flight by foreign investors and Nigerians has contributed to
the depreciation of the Naira and a fall in the stock market.


2.7 Recent Challenges & Opportunities

Reversal of brain drain and wastage
Nigeria has suffered greatly from brain drain
Estimated 17 million Nigerians in Europe, Asia and America
After 15-20 years, a multitude itching to return home

Opportunity to re-work and re-plan our economy
..
Continuation of reforms and restructuring

Continuation of reforms and restructuring
With top 20 countries projected to grow slower, Nigeria
may be able to catch them up faster.


2.8 Policies for Achieving Vision 2020
Heavy investment in the Growth Drivers of Vision 2020
Partnering with the private sector
Providing security
Incentives for sustaining business
Improvement in the investment climate

21
25
810
15
20
Fewest Procedures -Global
1
3
5 5
6 6
7
8
0
5
Norway* Benin Cameroon Niger Chad South Ghana Kenya Nigeria
Africa
Number of days to register property


2.9 Implementation
Sincerity and honesty by both the public and private
sectors

Framework for Vision 2020, incorporating

NEEDS
MDGs
7-Point Agenda

Road Map or Action Plan for achieving Vision 2020


Short, medium and long-term activities /
programmes


2.9 Implementation
Provide realistic costing / budget for the various
programmes and activities

Identify ‘champions’ or responsible officers or
Ministries, Departments and Agencies for effective
implementation


Monitor and evaluate against set milestones

Be open to adjustments as we embark on the journeyy

3 years ago nobody expected a global economic crisis


3.0 The Nigerian Media and Vision 2020
Various studies have shown a strong relationship between media development and economic growth.

Media across the world has promoted competition in economiic
and political markets, and helped create incentives for public and
private agents to become more accountable.


Media can empower people, including the poor, by giving them a
platform for voicing diverse opinions, participating in governance,
and engaging in markets.”

Nigerian media editors have to be at the forefront of  Vision 2020
Engagement and interaction with a wide range of members of
the public and groups,

Media’s power to drive public agenda and influence public
opinion and policy outcomes.

Unique opportunity for media to partake in evolving a road map
for Nigeria’s growth and development.

Capacity to introduce elements of self-criticism, reflection and
projection into public dialogue

Ability to enlist public support through education and
enlightenment campaigns.

..
Media’s reach and influence in generating positive change for
the good of all.

Need for Media to facilitate needed public dialogue to chart the
path to sustainable development pathways for our country.

Need for Media to sharpen the visioning processes, through
massive public education and information.
Need for editors to help generate different perspectives through
deep situational analyses that will enrich the Vision.
Vision 20 2020 can make meaning to Nigerians if the media would
provide the needed structure for effective communication,
coordination and networking.
Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors are encouraged to pick
up the gauntlet by championing the role of the media in the Vision
20 2020 Project

Thank You

Being the text of the lecture - VISION 20 2020:
Economic Growth & the Nigerian Editor
Presented at the 5th All Nigerian Editor’s Conference
Hamdala Hotel
Kaduna
by

Dr Shamsuddeen Usman (OFR)

Honorable Minister/Deputy Chairman
National Planning Commission

April 02, 2009