YouthLab Solutions, convener of the Nigeria Citizens Forum for Economic Sovereignty (NCFS) has expressed strong opposition to attempts by foreign funded entities to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or dictate the nation’s energy policies.
In a position paper signed by Mr. Chiedozie Onyeukwu, executive director of YouthLab Solutions and made available to Emerald News, the body called on Nigerian leaders to assert the nation’s sovereignty over its natural resources and industrialization initiatives.
Mr. Onyeukwu said the NCFS, a civil society organization dedicated to advancing and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic sovereignty, has a mission to advocate for policies that prioritize the nation’s interest and hold leadership accountable for sustainable development.
In the position paper, Onyeukwu insisted that Nigeria must assert its sovereignty over its natural resources, ensuring that their exploitation directly contributes to national economic development.
He insisted that it is Nigeria’s sovereign right to determine its energy mix and industrialization path, noting that the country needed to diversity its energy portfolio to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while fostering sustainable industrial growth.
The group is of the belief that the foundation of Nigeria’s economic advancement and poverty alleviation lies in effective industrialization and optimal utilization of natural resources, saying it is crucial to support and protect investments in the energy sector and broader industrialization efforts.
Onyeukwu who called for resistance of foreign interference in Nigeria’s energy sector, said while international cooperation is valuable, it should not compromise the nation’s economic interest or autonomy.
He said the country’s political leaders must seek to reject any foreign interference that seeks to dictate its energy policies or undermine its economic sovereignty.
The YouthLab Solutions executive director listed among others five core objectives to include advocating for strategies that enhance economic growth and improve the standard of living for all citizens.
It also aims at ensuring that Nigeria maintains full control over its natural resources, using them to foster national development and pushing for open and accountable governance, particularly in sectors related to resource management and economic development.
It also aims at fostering citizens participation in economic decision making by engaging the public in discussions and decisions that affect their economic wellbeing just as it collaborates with other groups that are committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and achieving shared goals.
To accomplish the stated objectives, YouthLab Solutions is set to employ a multifaceted approach through conducting thorough analysis of economic policies and resource management strategies to inform advocacy efforts
It said it will engage policy makers to influence legislation and ensure that Nigeria’s economic interests are prioritized. It will also build alliances with local and international organisations that share “our vision for Nigeria’s economic independence.”
While calling on all Nigerians to unite with a common purpose, it said it wil work to ensure that Nigeria’s economic policies are crafted and implemented in the best interest of Nigerians and assist the citizens to contribute to sustainable development.
