Opening Address at the meeting of the committee of experts : by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala minister of finance of the federal republic of Nigeria

Abstract

Opening Address by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Meeting of the Committee of Experts Thirty-eighth Session of the Commission/Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Dr. Okonzi-lweala, on his remarks highlighted that, The choice of the theme of our Conference, Achieving the MDGs in Africa is a bold one especially against the backdrop of recent reports that Africa is unlikely to meet the MDGs by 2015 if the current trend continues. It is bold because it conveys the hope that we know what needs to be done to achieve the MDGs. Many African countries have experienced faster growth, single-digit inflation, improved governance and increased political stability. The Executive Secretary ECA referred to these achievements that have been made. It is our responsibility to grow our economies and improve the life-chances of our people. It is therefore very important that you, our experts, go beyond the usual litany of issues examined at meetings such as this. We need to be honest with ourselves.