The third ministerial performance assessment retreat for ministers, permanent secretaries, and top government officials was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.
Among the dignitaries in attendance at the event’s location, the State House Banquet Hall, were former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing, President of the Senate Ahmed Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila.
August 2019 saw the first government retreat. The midterm performance assessment held last year served as a prelude to this year’s retreat, the final in a series held during Buhari’s second term.
Reports on achievements, notably in the nine priority areas of the current government, will be presented during the retreat. The retreat is divided into three main sections that highlight significant accomplishments and provide quick fixes for pressing deadlines.
According to the President, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s cooperation with German Siemens is on track to achieve its target of increasing energy generation to 25,000 megawatts in six years since the first batch of transformers has already arrived in Nigeria.
He declared that his administration was unyielding in its fight against corruption and that it will continue to examine and bring swift closure to high-profile corruption cases.
In order to ensure that government at all levels is effective, efficient, responsible, and transparent, platforms have been built to encourage coordination between anti-corruption and prosecution institutions of government.
Buhari added that both the cost of importing food and the shortfall in food production have greatly decreased due to the agricultural sector’s significant expansion.
He also stated that the government is putting in great effort to address the issue of rising food prices that are linked to inflation.
Laing, who was a repeat visitor to the ministerial retreat, emphasised the need for Nigeria to continue consolidating its democracy.
She acknowledged that the economy of Nigeria is more resilient, but she also pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has impeded development. She emphasised the UK’s unwavering commitment to a powerful and prosperous Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila, for his part, emphasized that Nigeria cannot prosper without addressing insecurity and corruption. He also discussed how important it is to gauge progress and performance.
According to him, the retreat is a chance for the National Assembly to reflect, and the results will give information for future planning.
