The Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Yahaya Abdullahi, has said that Nigeria is facing the worst economic crisis in the history of its existence.

Abdullahi, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, Kebbi State, stated this at the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on Wednesday.

This is just as he said there is the need for the legislature to interface with the executive in a bid to rejig the nation’s economy and get it back on track.

Abdullahi also charged the Committees of National Planning in both the House and the Senate to do everything possible within four years to achieve the set target of turning around the nation’s economy, while advising the executive to stay focused.

He warned against any mistake on the part of the parliament that may compound the already precarious economic situation in the country, adding that the parliament must be able to guide the executive on how to get out of the quagmire.

In his words, both parliamentary Committees will soon convene a joint meeting to deliberate on the agenda of turning around the fortune of the country.

On his part, Chairman, House Committee on National Planning, Ibrahim Isiaka, said the committees can only succeed in their assignment if they work together and reinforce one another as a team.

He reminded members of the Committee not to forget that National planning is the process of setting goals, developing strategies, and outlining tasks and schedules to accomplish the national goals.

Addressing his colleagues, the lawmaker said, “Let’s roll our sleeves and tighten the belts for the tasks ahead in the spirit of nationalism and patriotism,” adding that the Committee will join hands with all well-meaning stakeholders to create and bequeath indicators that will be adjudged one of the best in this 10th Assembly.

He promised the readiness of the Committee to commence Inter-Governmental and Budget Reforms of the multi-faceted and interlinked nature of sustainable development.

Isiaka added that there is a mixed reaction among various stakeholders including scholars, the media and some members of the private sector on the status of the Nigerian economy, adding however that “our committee would do its best at bridging the gaps between the euphoria and skepticism about this concern.

“For all of us as a Committee, the executives and bureaucrats, our cooperation framework shall detail not only how we can work together but, we shall work together,” he said. (The PUNCH)

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