Okonjo-Iweala launches book on Nigeria in Tokyo

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Nigeria’s powerful minister of finance has launched a book, “Reforming the Un-reformable: Lessons from Nigeria”, on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Tokyo, Japan.

She described the book as one of hope for Nigeria.

“This book shows that no matter how difficult a country may be, with political will and dedication, you can really make a difference. So it’s a book of hope about my Country Nigeria and for all those who think it is the most complicated and difficult country. But it is also one of the most exciting, intriguing and complex country which one has the opportunity to work in,’’ she said.

The Minister who dedicated the book to her grand child, said that it would be a veritable tool for economic development practitioners and those on the front line of implementing policies. She noted that the book which was written based on her experience as the Minister of Finance during President Obasanjo’s administration focused on how policies could be implemented successfully.

According to her, it also shows how mistakes can be made saying “Above all this book is all about hope’’.

“I am known as an optimist about Nigeria, this book is about the fact that Nigeria is reformable and will soon reform those sector that people think are un-reformable and I hope that we will present this in Nigeria. However, I am trying to tell the world that this country that it finds so difficult, that Nigerians themselves think is so complex that you cannot do anything to reform, that this is not the case. The reforms that we started under President obasanjo’s leadership from 2003 to 2006 provided the basis for the development that we see now,’’ she said.

She noted that though much needed to be done to create jobs and reduce poverty, all hope was not lost.

Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) commended the Minister for the effort in writing the book.

“The Book is the personal account of the difficult role of different reforms efforts in Nigeria under the government of president Obasanjo and the role played by the Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at that time. Which shows the importance of political will, focus, determination and quality technocrat in achieving positive reforms,’’ he said.

According to him, the book is timely as the country goes into various reform policies of the transformation agenda.

Dr Abraham Nwankwo, Director-General, Debt management Office of the federation said that the book would be a reference point for all and sundry.

He said that the book was a historic one which takes the reader through the experience of Nigeria undergoing structural
reforms starting from 2003.

“This book is very important because it is written by somebody who was at a centre in terms of reforms that went on in the country. It is important to note that the reforms are still ongoing,’’ he said.

The 198 page book tackled various topics including Setting the stage for Reforms, Advancing Macro economic Reforms, Promoting, privatisation, and Deregulation, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.