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Showing posts from March, 2012

Solid minerals sector: Goldmine seeking effective exploitation for economic diversification

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A mining site in Nigeria Huge solid mineral deposits lie in various parts of Nigeria. However, this goldmine is yet to be effectively explored – despite the vast opportunities it offers – in order to diversify the nation’s revenue earnings, writes ALEXANDER CHIEJINA Following global economic recession in the late 1980s and early 1990s, developing countries began to liberalize their external trade to improve balance of payment and increase economic growth through provision of incentives to attract capital in-flow and investment. Interestingly, developing countries, especially in Africa and Latin America, turned to solid minerals exploration as a solution to sustained economic growth. This economic initiative paid off as mining companies have continued to play key role in the economic development of these countries. Countries like South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania remain critically dependent on earnings of solid minerals. As a result, countries introduced liberal reforms to meet i

Technical and vocational training: Nigeria on the path of industrial growth ahead 2020?

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Vocational training and repairs Countries that have embraced technical training have witnessed lower unemployment rate, ingenuity in technological inventions, economic autonomy, and increased individual productivity. This is however lacking in Nigeria, even as it continues its quest of becoming one of the 20 leading economies by 2020, writes ALEXANDER CHIEJINA. Technical and vocational education (TVE) has been an integral part of national development strategies in many countries following its impact on productivity and economic development. While technical education contributions are widespread and visible ranging from metalwork technology, mechanical/ automobile technology, electrical and electronic technology, building and woodwork technology etc, this form of education has become change agents not only for technical systems but several societal changes. A close evaluation of public and private investment of TVE in European countries such as Germany, Sweden, Denmark, United K

Post-mergers: Emerging scenario in Nigeria’s banking sector

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Sanusi Lamido sanusi, CBN Governor Following recent post mergers in the industry, competition for blue chip companies’ account, rationalise expenditures and industry positioning is anticipated following the emerging banking landscape, writes ALEXANDER CHIEJINA Globally, economies and financial markets were challenged in 2011 following the eurozone debt crisis and its undercurrents which swept through emerging and developed markets albeit in varied dimensions. Heightened sovereign risks for debt-ridden Greece sent shivers down the spines of European banks and the global corporate world with substantial exposures to the Euro. However, the United States of America continued to witness calls for reduced budget deficits amidst rising unemployment and worsening sovereign ratings. Going home, the Nigerian banking sector had come a long way; from the near death experience it had during the depth of the global financial crises in 2008. At that time, there was limited visibility on the impa