The House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, considered the general principles of a bill seeking to establish a 50-year national economic development plan for Nigeria, spanning 2026 to 2076.
Sponsored by Abia lawmaker Amobi Ogah, the bill was debated at plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Leading debate, Ogah said the proposal is designed to address Nigeria’s recurring challenge of policy inconsistency and short-term planning, which he said has undermined sustained national development.
He explained that the bill seeks to institutionalise continuity in economic planning across administrations, strengthening coordination, accountability and long-term policy stability.
Nigeria has implemented several development frameworks, including Vision 2010, Vision 20:2020 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, but many have suffered setbacks due to weak implementation, policy reversals and lack of continuity.
Ogah said the absence of a binding framework has contributed to abandoned projects, inefficient resource use and weak investor confidence, while exposing the economy to external shocks, particularly oil price volatility.
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He argued that a legally backed long-term plan would enhance policy predictability, support macroeconomic stability and attract sustained investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy and manufacturing.
According to him, a 50-year framework would align national priorities beyond electoral cycles and improve development planning consistency.
He referenced long-term planning models in South Africa, Rwanda and Botswana, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The bill also provides for stronger institutional coordination, legal backing for implementation, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere backed the proposal, describing it as a framework to enforce discipline in governance and reduce policy inconsistency.
Plateau lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi also supported the bill, noting that earlier national planning eras under former Head of State Yakubu Gowon delivered stronger economic coordination, particularly in agriculture.
The bill is expected to scale third reading before transmission to the Senate for concurrence.