FG Sets Up Council on Socio-Economic Research

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, has inaugurated the Governing Council of The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, during the inauguration on Tuesday, stressed the mandate of NISER in driving social and economic research for national development.

On the role of the governing council, he said, “According to the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research Act of 1977, the Council shall be responsible for the determination of the overall policy of the Institute and in particular, for the financial and operational programmes of the Institute and for ensuring implementation of such policies and programmes.”

He also urged the council to strengthen the financial base of the Institute by seeking novel alternative and sustainable funding sources, especially as the government struggles with an economic downturn and dwindling revenue.

“It is, therefore, imperative for Members of this esteemed NISER Governing Council to reach out for collaboration or partnership with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private sector actors, other research and academic Institutions, Development Partners etc.,” he added.

The governing council has Dr Emmanuel Imafidon, a senior fellow at the Lagos Business School, as its chairman while other members include Dr Hauwa Ibrahim, Prof Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, Mallam Kalli Gazali, Prof. Benedict Akanegbu, Mrs Felicia Onibon.

Others include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment or representative; the Director-General of the institute; the Statistician-General, National Bureau of Statistics; the Director of Research, Central Bank of Nigeria; and the Director, Macroeconomic Analysis, Budget and National Planning.