By Iheanyi Enwerem
Imo State capital Owerri is set for a major economic gathering as more than 300 delegates, including top finance officials and economic experts, converge on the Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre (EIICC) for the four-day National Council for Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) conference.
The high level conference, scheduled to commence on Monday, August 16, will be the first time NACOFED is being hosted in the Southeast geopolitical zone, placing Imo State at the centre of national economic policy discussions.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Hon. Taiwo Oyedele, is expected to chair the conference, while Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is expected to declare the event open.
The gathering will bring together Commissioners for Finance, Accountants-General and other key economic stakeholders from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking with journalists on preparations for the conference, Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Hon. Chuck Chukwuemeka, said the meeting would focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges and developing practical strategies to strengthen fiscal federalism, improve revenue generation and promote equitable resource allocation.
The conference is themed: “Strengthening Fiscal Federalism for Sustainable Revenue Generation, Equitable Allocation and Economic Resilience in a Volatile Global Economy.”
According to the Imo Finance Boss, the theme reflects the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to the economic challenges confronting the country.
Beyond the policy discussions, the commissioner said the conference is also expected to provide a significant boost to Owerri’s hospitality and service sectors.
He disclosed that the state anticipates at least 300 visitors, whose presence is expected to increase demand for hotel accommodation, transportation, restaurants and other hospitality services.
Chukwuemeka expressed optimism that the influx of delegates and other participants would translate into increased economic activity and additional revenue for businesses across the state.
With preparations in top gear at the EIICC, all eyes are now on Owerri as Nigeria’s finance policymakers converge to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the nation’s fiscal system and building greater economic resilience.