The Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Friday said that the Presidential Initiative for Innovation, Policy Evaluation, and Research, PIIPER, would foster transparency, effective governance and sustainable development.
Mr Shettima stated this during a meeting with a delegation from the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa from the London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE, and a pre-launch meeting of the PIIPER, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
While giving an insight into the initiative, Mr Shettima said it was targeted at transforming policymaking in Nigeria through a multifaceted approach.
He outlined the approaches to include encompassing data gathering, rigorous research, innovation integration, stakeholder engagement and thorough documentation of government functions and decisions.
“PIIPER will further extend its reach by coordinating national policy research and innovation fellowships, fostering regular dialogues, and engaging in comparative analyses to benchmark Nigerian policies globally.
“This initiative is geared towards addressing Nigeria’s development challenges, promoting transparency, and collaboration to ensure effective governance and sustainable development.”
Mr Shettima sought collaboration between PIIPER and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and its delegation from Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, describing the initiative as a transformative journey.
He applauded Prof. David Luke and Prof. Tim Allen for their dedication to unravelling the intricacies of the political economy of Africa through their impactful contributions at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa”.
Shettima singled out Prof. Luke who he said has taken a bold step towards shared objectives with the unveiling of his work, “How Africa Trades,” describing it as an exciting chapter.
“My anticipation to meet you grew exponentially when I learned about the mission and the intellectual depth embedded in this significant work.
“Your presence today emphasizes our shared commitment to shaping a future where Africa is not relegated to the footnotes of our discourse on development.
“The link between gown and town is one that we can’t afford to sever because the repercussions are dire.
“Thankfully, your institution understands the intersection of politics and economics and, of course, knows the causes of things—as its motto goes.
“This is why I am delighted to learn that the relationship between LSE and Africa is more than a distant theoretical projection.”
Earlier, Dapo Oyewole, the leader of the delegation and Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, said part of his job is to take the best of Nigeria to the world and attract the best of the world to Nigeria.
Mr Oyewole, who is also the Coordinator of the LSE Alumni Association in Abuja, said “our work will help to bridge the gap between research and policy.
“It will attract the best ideas emanating from rigorous research and analysis from around the world in the achievement of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
NAN
