NEDG, NESG to host presidential debate on economic policy Nov. 15

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Nigerian Elections Debates Group (NEDG) and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) are collaborating to facilitate a presidential debate on economic policy.

The debate, scheduled to hold on 15 November, 2022, will serve as a launch pad to discussions on the roadmap towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.

The debate is being organized by NEDG and NESG with support from the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), BudgIT, and Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).

“Nigeria is at a decisive point in its history, and as we count down to the 2023 polls, it is critical, like never before, to nudge Nigerians towards making informed voting choices,” said a press statement jointly signed by Asue Ighodalo, chairman, NESG, and John Ugbe, chairman, NEDG/BON.

“The challenge before us, therefore, is to ensure the evolution of transformational leaders with a broad knowledge of the issues and the political will to steer the ship of our great nation towards shared economic prosperity. The partnership is strategic and will kick off the process of making this Nigerian dream happen,” the statement said.

The statement said the Presidential Debate on Economic Policy seeks to curate content that focuses on the state of the economy and addresses the citizens’ concerns, adding that the process will also empower the citizens to choose among the presidential candidates and other leadership positions scheduled for the February 2023 national polls.

NESG is a non-profit, non-partisan, private sector-led think-tank with a mandate to promote and champion the reform of the Nigerian economy into an open, globally competitive economy and the debate coming up in November is part of its #IfNotNowWhen? Initiative. #IfNotNowWhen is geared towards sensitising stakeholders and citizens of Nigeria on peaceful, informed and accountable democratic participation.

The statement said the NEDG, a coalition of broadcast organisations, civil society and professional groups tasked with organising and hosting live televised debates for presidential, vice presidential and gubernatorial candidates since 1999, is poised to facilitate this effort.

The upcoming debate is also unique because of a formidable partnership across the media, civil society and academia, it said.