By PETER EGWUATU

The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, has concluded plans to engage the Federal Government on policy formulation and implementation towards enhancing the Nigerian capital market and the economy in general.

CIS President, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun, said “The institute as part of efforts to take its rightful place in charting a new course for our country has resolved to take a more active role in influencing economic policy by organising annual national workshops, with the forthcoming events being the third in its series.

This workshop will help contribute immensely to the transformation, not only of the capital market, but the national economy as a whole.”

He disclosed that the workshop is designed to bring together key players in both the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy to brainstorm, and generate ideas, which will serve as useful input to the national budget and enhance the quality of the policy making process.

Olushekun, stressed that the workshop will assist government agencies to track budget performance and show case best practices in service delivery. “The workshop will present an avenue to influence government policies thereby ensuring the growth and development of the key sectors of the Nigerian economy, he added.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 3rdCIS national workshop, Mr. Albert Okumagba, said “The workshop, which will hold from Wednesday, 23rdApril to Friday, 25thApril, 2014 will focus on Trade and Investment, Power and Agriculture sectors.  These sectors, we believe, are critical sectors that hold strategic importance to boosting the economy in general.”

While answering questions on the impact of its previous workshops, Okumagba said “We had engaged relevant authorities to ensure that resolutions at the workshop are implemented. We played major role in the passage of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON Bill. The CIS contributed significantly to the establishment of AMCON.  Also the amended investment guidelines for Pension Fund Asset by the Penccom are also part of the CIS’s effort.”

On why agriculture and power is also a focus of the workshop, he said “Agriculture and power are very important sectors that cannot be ignored. The sectors have not been properly explored. We can never over focus on these sectors. We will not stop until we achieve our objectives.”