It is no longer news that the average Nigerian faces difficulty in being able to survive on a daily basis in the country as a result of the presence of various forms of hardship. These hardships could be majorly attributed to the lack of increasing private sector partnership in the national economy. Dr. Amaechi Anakwue, a broadcast journalist, political economist and anchor of Focus Nigeria on African Independent Television (AIT) and Political Platform on Raypower Nigeria extensively discussed regulatory agencies being the fourth arm of government in the country in his book titled: “The Politics of Economic Regulation in Nigeria”.
Speaking at the book launch held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja yesterday, various dignitaries including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, PDP Chieftain, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Prof. Jerry Gana, the former Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Dr. Sam Amadi, Prof. Jideofor Adibe, Prof. Sam Egwu, Dr. Hussaini Abdu among others graced the occasion.
High Chief Raymond Dokpesi who was the book presenter for the day stated that the author of the book elaborately highlighted with empirical evidences key areas that need adequate regulations within regulatory agencies in Nigeria. He stated that for Nigeria as a country to move forward in all her endeavors, the right regulatory processes need to be put in place for effective governance of the Nigerian people.
Furthermore, Dr. Sam Amadi buttressed on Chief Raymond Dokpesi’s speech by highlighting the critical issues facing regulatory agencies in Nigeria. He noted that lack of awareness of public needs, lack of technologies to help cater for the needs of the general public and the discrepancies of Nigerian leaders have all led to the challenges currently faced by regulatory agencies in the country. He further stressed that the major drivers of any economy in the world are the constitution and public policy. He concluded his key note speech by calling on the current administration to adopt the need for independent regulators.
Invited panelists for the occasion extensively discussed key areas Dr. Anakwue’s book addressed and some members of the public present during the book launch had time to ask their questions and weigh in on the panelists’ discussions. The event ended with a book review and address from Prof. Jerry Gana who noted that the author had done an extensive research and brought out a book worthy to grace the shelves of any library within the country. In his words, he stated that the book “ is a fascinating, insightful and well-researched analysis of economic regulation framework in Nigeria within context of increasing private sector participation in the national economy”.
In a chat with the author of the book, Dr. Anakwue stated that as a researcher, his motivation for writing this book grew as a result of the need to constantly task oneself to find solutions to problems threatening the core fabrics of the Nigerian society. He noted that Nigerians who get a chance to buy and read his book will be educated on the theoretical foundations of the political economies of our economic regulations in Nigeria. Addressing the issue of availability of his new book, the author stressed that his books are readily available on Amazon, Adonis and Abbey Publishers Limited and all bookshelves across the country.
