Minister of State for Budget and National Planning Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, on Tuesday, 14th February 2023, inaugurated the Governing Council of The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER).
The Governing Council members include Dr. Emmanuel O. Imafidon who will serve as Chairman while Dr Hauwa V. Ibrahim, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, Mallam Kalli Gazali, Prof. Benedict N. Akanegbu, Mrs. Felicia I. Onibon will serve as members
Others are 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.
Speaking at the event which took place in his conference room, Agba urged the council members to understand the extent of their roles and responsibilities.
He tasked them to provide policy guidelines for the Institute and not to be involved in the day-to-day running of the parastatal.
“The day-to-day operations of NISER is the responsibility of the Director- General who is the Accounting Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute.
“It is important to also note that Governing Council are not empowered to suspend or remove the Director-General appointed by the President.
“However, Governing Council may articulate infractions, investigate wrong doing and make their recommendations to Government through the supervisory Ministry,” Agba said.
He added that the working relationship between the Council and the management of the Institute, represented by the Director-General was as explained in the Guidelines Governing Relationship between Governing Councils/Boards and Government Agencies.
Agba said this would be made available to all members to guide and manage relationships.
“You are thus, enjoined to come up with research-based innovative policies, programmes and projects which will support the mandate of NISER toward improved productivity.
“Please be informed that your appointments are on a part-time basis; and the conduct of meetings, allowances and entitlements are as expressly stated in extant laws.
“Relevant Circulars will be made available for your information and proper guidance in due course.
“Given that conflict is inevitable in any setting, in case of its occurrence, this must be resolved as quickly as possible in order for the Institute not to suffer negatively from it.
“As you are aware, presently, the Federal Government is the sole funder of NISER and the need to strengthen the financial base of the Institute cannot be overemphasized.
“While the Government is expected to improve budgetary allocation to the Institute, there is also clearly a need to seek novel alternative and sustainable funding sources, especially during his period of economic downturn and dwindling Government 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 (MDAs), private sector actors, other research and academic Institutions, Development Partners,” Agba said.
Agba said there was no doubt that their appointments were made after careful consideration of their qualifications and experiences; and in the case of the institutional members, their relevance as key stakeholders to the Centre in delivering on its mandates.
“I therefore have no doubt about your individual and collective ability to contribute significantly from your wealth of knowledge and experiences to promote management excellence in Nigeria,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Council, Dr Emmanuel Imafidon thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for aporiving the appointment and Prince Agba for recommending him.and his colleagues for appointment.
He said the Council dould work assiduously to help NISER management achieve its mandates.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
