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IMF wants anti-poverty programmes in
Nigeria Guardian 2000-01-24 THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has implored the Federal Government to implement a comprehensive economic programme that would curtail poverty, unemployment and inflation in the country this year. The world monetary body which appeared to have soft-pedalled in its call for the deregulation of petroleum products, said it is interested in policies that would facilitate growth and ameliorate the hardship of the masses. “We never said forget about the people’s plight. What we are saying is that deregulation is for the government and the people to decide. We will be interested in seeing that the public resources are used for roads and hospitals for the common people. We are looking for economic policy that will accelerate growth. We look forward to a comprehensive economic programme best suited for the objectives of government”, said Mr. Hiroyuki Hino, a senior official of the African Department of the Fund. Hino also lauded the anti-corruption efforts of the administration and called for a sustained campaign against the scourge. He said: “We are interested in seeing that corruption is curtailed. The Obasanjo administration has made commendable progress but we expect more to be done. It has to be a continuing process. But we are very encouraged by the progress made so far.” The official who spoke when he visited the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki in Abuja, explained that his delegation was in Nigeria to study sectoral policies, endorse the programmes and canvass international support for the economic policies of government. According to him, the extent of transparency and credibility would determine the level of support that foreign monetary bodies would give to the country. “We are here to conclude discussions on standing arrangements to lend money to Nigeria. The conclusion of talks would allow Nigeria access to donor agencies, so that money will be available to pursue the implementation of programmes”, he stated. Hino had praised the NNPC for its support and assistance during the team’s visit. Also, another delegation of the World Bank led by Mr. Kala Dahari was also at the NNPC headquarters to audit the corporation and related agencies. The leader of the delegation said the exercise was at the instance of President Obasanjo. Responding, Gaius-Obaseki who restated his resolve to cleanse the corporation’s stable and ensure transparency, pledged to assist the delegation with information. |
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