The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has launched its Policy Innovation Centre, which would improve the design and implementation of government policies and programmes in Nigeria through lessons from behavioural and social science as well as other policy tools.

Speaking at the unveiling of the PIC on the sideline of the ongoing 27th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#27) in Abuja, Mr Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of NESG, explained that the Centre would engage in detailed analytical work which would help policy-makers and programme implementers improve outcomes for Nigerian citizens.

Ighodalo said the NESG provides policy options and advisory support to the government for national development, adding that it is expected that government would implement the policies for the good of Nigerians.

According to him, “The PIC seeks to implement innovative policy tools, including behavioural insights, to improve policies and programmes in Nigeria.

“It is the first national-level unit of its kind in Africa and applies lessons from the behaviour and social sciences, including testing interventions, to find evidence to inform better policies and decision-making.

“The PIC is an initiative within the NESG that is sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”

Working with public institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the international community, the PIC would also support ongoing efforts on critical priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Also speaking, the Executive Director of PIC, Mr Faisal Naru, said the Centre would strive to assist policymakers and decision-makers in unveiling how people behave, in order to design better policies in relation to the people.

Source: Independent Newspaper