Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance has described the book “Reforming the Un-reformable: Lessons from Nigeria'' as a book of hope about the country.
Okonjo-Iweala made the remark on Friday at the Official Lunch of the Book, written by her which was presented at the Annual Meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary fund (IMF).
“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 the book 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 still needed to be done to create jobs and reduce poverty, all hope was not lost.
Commenting, 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.
He recommended the book to every Nigerian, Economist, researchers and students of economics and development in various academic learning.
In his contribution, Prof. Sylvester Monye, Special Adviser to the president on Monitoring and Evaluation said that book was a good tool for development.
He said that book could be useful to all,? but most especially to policy makers particularly those who want to make changes.
“The book sets out a number of issues and in particular sets out a blue print on stages you need to follow to achieve sustainable reforms in any country but in particular the case of Nigeria,’’ he said.
Dr Bright Okwogwu, Director-General Budget Office of the Federation said the book was an excellent work on the area of economic development and political economic management.
“It’s a book that you will see going down the road that will attract a lot more attention because many countries look at Nigeria as a tough country to reform.
“But if we are able to succeed here, many countries will have the courage and stand firm to do their reforms.
“As observed by some people, it’s a book of hope, it gives hope to people that no matter how difficulties are, you ca improve and do things better.''
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 198 page book tackled various topics including Setting the stage for Reforms, Advancing Macro economic Reforms, Promoting, privatisation, and Deregulation.
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