As the incoming government prepares to take over by May 29th, Oxfam Nigeria, has set an agenda on how it could address some of the challenges confronting the country.
A statement signed by Oxfam Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Vincent Ahonsi, on Sunday, the new government was charged on the needs to take urgent steps towards ending hunger, reducing inequality, and reducing the number of Nigerians living below the poverty line.
Ahonsi encourage the new government to stimulate economic recovery through the strengthening of the Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector which according to him are key to building the economy that is fair and just as they constitute sustainable approach to tackling the developmental challenges that the economy is facing.
He also tasked for the incoming government on the need to allocate at least 10% of the budget to Agriculture, encouraging women and youth in agricultural businesses with farm inputs.
On improving the SMEs, Ahonsi said, “The SME sector has proven to be the backbone of major developed and emerging economies, as an important contributor to employment and economic growth.
“According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), In Nigeria, SMEs contribute 48 percent of national GDP, account for 96% of businesses and 84% of employment.
“Networking and collaboration are important and essential for building a healthy SME ecosystem and unlocking the opportunities that it holds. Though significant growth has been achieved in the SME sector recently, there is still much to be done to further leverage the opportunities the ecosystem presents.
“To facilitate inclusive business environment, where women and youth are empowered to participate, the incoming government needs to provide the enabling environment, the technical support and training that the SMEs need.”
