Sen. Udoma urges Ministry’s board members to familiarise with ERGP

Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of Budget and National Planning, has urged board members of agencies under the ministry to familiarise themselves with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

Udoma made the call at the inauguration of the Governing Boards of the Centre for Management Development (CMD) and the Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER) on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the ERGP set the policy direction of the administration.

“You are expected to conduct the affairs of the agencies within the context of the ERGP and try to meet the objectives of the Plan.

“You are expected to conduct yourselves with decorum, decency and utmost integrity.’’

The minister, however, urged the members to see their appointment as a clarion call to serve and contribute their quota toward the realisation of the ERGP.

Udoma also urged them to be guided by the provision in the Act establishing their agencies for the purpose of clarity and avoidance of doubt.

Responding on behalf of the two boards, the Chairman, Governing Board of CMD, Mr Joseph Tegbe, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity given to then to serve the country.

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Tegbe said they were grateful for the confidence reposed in them and promised that they would deliver on the responsibilities.

“We are familiar with the objectives of the ERGP and we will ensure the effective implementation of the Plan.

“We promise to serve with commitment and handwork to put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Olajide Odewale, said the inauguration of the governing boards was a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to move the country forward in all ramifications.

The permanent secretary said the board had a critical role to play in achieving the mandates of the agencies.

“I congratulate you and I expect that you hit the ground running as there are lots of working to be done,’’ he said.

The ministry inaugurated 20 board members from CMD and 20 members from NISER were inaugurated.