A former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, has appealed to the federal government to look into the cost of energy and the exchange rate to address hardship in the country.

He made the appeal at a press conference on the forthcoming International Conference of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI).

Mr Gana, also the chairman of the National Planning Committee of the event, said the conference would focus on raising a new generation of transformational leaders in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

He said the conference-themed “Value-based leadership model for Africa” is slated for October 21 to October 24.

Mr Gana said Nigeria, with a huge population of over 200 million, is a good market and investors’ hub if the economy is on the right track.

He called on the government to address the challenge of an energy shortage, which, according to him, is crucial to industrialisation and economic development.

The former Minister added that the high exchange is equally hindering local and foreign investments.

“What is happening is that the gatekeepers of the economy are doing everything to frustrate people not to come in here with their money.

“This is the reality, and if we are to get it right and for investors to be encouraged to bring their money to invest here, we must address the two critical issues.

“By doing these, we will be out of the woes in no distant time, ” he said.

James Featherby, the chairman of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

Emphasising the importance of the conference to Nigeria, Mr Gana said it would place emphasis on the issue of leadership, which would be apt to the country. 

(NAN)