By John Ikani
Governors of the 36 states of Nigeria will meet on Wednesday to deliberate on the lingering problem in the country’s power sector as well as other major national issues.
The virtual meeting, planned to commence by 2pm, is also expected to discuss ways to improve the economy and healthcare.
The Head of Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
The meeting, according to him, will be attended by the Minister of Power, Aliyu Abubakar, Chief Economic Adviser to the president, Dr. Doyin Salami, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib.
The statement reads: “As a reaction to the lingering power sector ineffectiveness of the last couple of weeks, power projects’ delivery across the states will dominate their conversation when governors meet on Wednesday.
“The governors have sought the attendance of the Minister of Power, Engineer Aliyu Abubakar, according to an invitation issued to all governors by the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, Mr Asishana Bayo Okauru, today.
“Okauru pointed out that the virtual NGF meeting which is the third of its type this year slated for Wednesday 23rd March will commence at 2pm prompt.
“All invitees are expected to begin to log in from 1300hrs.
“The economy will also feature prominently at the meeting as the Chief Economic Adviser to the president, Dr. Doyin Salami has also been invited to discuss the Nigerian economy and his new perspectives.
“Doyin Salami, was until this appointment in January, Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).
“The Chief Economic Adviser to the President is expected to address all issues on the domestic economy and present views on them to the President; closely monitor national and international developments, trends and develop appropriate policy responses; develop and recommend to the President national economic policies to foster macro-economic stability, promote growth, create jobs, and eradicate poverty, among others.
“The 36 Governors will be seeking to know in which direction he will be rolling the economy.
“Another critical sector that the governors will be deliberating upon is health care delivery in the country.
“The Health Minister Dr Osagie Ehanire will be briefing the governors on oxygen supply and the rehabilitation of General Hospitals.
“Another top official of the health sector that will be meeting the governors at the meeting is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCD) Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who will be briefing the governors on the forthcoming Primary Health Care Summit, 2022.
“The two ministers are expected to address the Governors before the other two presentations.”
