DAILY INDEPENDENT
June 5, 2008


Yar'Adua's Seven-point Agenda Lacks Clarity, Says APRM

By Alexandra Mede, Snr Correspondent, Abuja

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's seven-point agenda has been described as lacking in clarity and "questionable in its realism."

The agenda is the vision of the present administration to strengthen already existing reforms and re-build the Nigerian economy.

But the 2008 Country Review Report of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in its consideration of socio-economic development of Nigeria, said the government's agenda is questionable because it lacks specification for structural transformation.

Dwelling on the shortcomings of the agenda, the report stated that the blue print "does not meet the requirements for a clearly defined vision."

"President Yar'Adua's seven-point agenda which is based on the commitment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)manifesto does not meet the requirements for a clearly defined shared vision for two reasons: it lacks specification of the structural transformations to be undertaken and it is limited to only seven priorities.

"Although the document alludes to a Nigerian dream, it does not constitute a long term vision. It clearly seeks to be a continuation of ongoing reforms, but it can basically be categorised as a political party-led ambition that is even questionable in its realism as Nigeria is currently among the 22 countries classified in the low human development category and also low income category," it added.

The report called for a long term vision, saying despite the elaboration of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS)and President Yar'Adua's seven-point agenda, the country still operates on the basis of short to medium term plans.

It recommended open participatory discussions on long term vision for the country, adding that government must ensure that critical segments of the society are aware of their respective responsibilities in the quest to materialise the vision.

It noted that for Nigeria to be on the path of self reliance, there must be harmony and continuity in drawing up strategies.

"Continuously moving from one strategy to another without proper evaluation of the previous initiative, the multiplicity of strategies, plans, programmes and schemes, does not help in the building of the country's capacity for self reliance," it concluded.