The Debt Management Office (DMO), has described online publishers as formidable force to reckon with in the nation’s debt management operations.
Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, director general of the Debt Management Office (DMO), made the remark during a-day worksop on debt management organised by the Office in collaboration with Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) held in Lagos over the weekend.
Nwankwo said GOCOP provides credible platform and a new window that can support national development if properly harnessed by public and private institutions.
The DMO DG noted that the Office will leverage the new window to ensure timely dissemination of information on debt management in Nigeria, adding that DMO has nothing to add in its affairs with stakeholders including creditors, Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), Office of the Account General of the Federation (OAGF), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the 36 States, among others.
He therefore, charged Online Publishers who are all GOCOP members to see themselves as “very valuable partner in the development of our country”.
While calling for strong partnership between Online Publishers and DMO, Nwankwo stressed further that “Online Publishers must not undervalue or devalue their roles in national development”.
According to Nwankwo, the workshop was timely and came as part of DMO’s enlightenment programme, adding that Online Publishers as critical stakeholders should assist his office to further enlighten the public on the activities of DMO.
Ms. Patience Oniha, DMO’s director (Market Development), spoke about borrowing especially from the International Capital Market (ICM) while Dele Afolabi (Head of Portfolio Management), spoke on processes and procedures for borrowing either from bilateral or multi-lateral sources.
The third paper presented by Hannatu Suleiman, Director (Debt Recording and Settlement) dwelt on debt settlement, stakeholders involved and control measures.
On her part, Asmau Mohammed, director (Strategic Progrmmes), spoke about functions and activities of DMO since inception.
Malachy Agbo, GOCOP president, in a brief remarks, thanked Nwankwo, the DMO Boss,and his management team for deeming it fit to partner with Online Publishers and assured that the Association will tap into the window of opportunities provided in the GOCOP/DMO collaboration.
DMO was established by Debt Management Act 2003 and responsible for maintaining reliable database of all loans taken or guaranteed by the Federal, State or any other agencies; prepare and submit to the FG a forecast of loan service obligations for each financial year among others.