Five Reasons Nigeria Is Not Growing. Solution

by ThankGod Ukachukwu

Insecurity

Insecurity continues to plague Nigeria, from reports of tens of soldiers killed by Boko Haram to the jihadist insurgents capturing towns in the North East, maiming and killing fleeing citizens and exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian disaster of internally displaced citizens. Herders-farmer clashes have claimed thousands of citizens in the middle belt leaving blood and cries and a subdued citizens who groan for respite and a return to normal life to continue farming which is the main occupation of the soil rich region. Banditary as has not been seen in decades is raging in Zamfara and adjoining states. Kidnappers snatch travellers in large numbers on Abuja-Kaduna axis and demand ransom killing those that fail to meet their demands. The security state of Nigeria is worse than when President Buhari came to power.

Corruption

Thomas Mösch writing in DW Germany noted that Buhari’s second main theme which was anti-corruption has been all but successful. Nigeria has tanked in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index down to 148th consecutively down from where it was in 2015 underscoring the fact that the anti-corruption drive has been a farce. The anti-corruption crusade which has been one-sided absolving anyone who is the good books of Buhari has failed to achieve results. Corruption allegations against members of President Buhari’s party and government are dismissed as frivolous.

Muhammadu Buhari

Failed Economy

On the economy, Buhari has recorded abysmal performance such that businesses are groaning under stifling economic conditions. Though meeting a slowing economy, the administration has not been adept at economic management. There was lack of urgency towards economic management which was imperative. There is no convincing economic strategy. The government's dysfunctional economic plan aimed at bolstering the economy was dismissed by Bill Gates as inadequate for lifting Nigeria out of  doldrums when he was invited to its flamboyant launching by the government earlier in 2018. Nigeria became the poverty capital of the world in 2018 with 87 million people in poverty. Over 8 million unemployment since 2015 and over 10 million out of school children in Northern Nigeria. On the issue of diversification of the economy, the government has failed to implement policies which will boost agricultural fortunes of the country. The mono-economy, dependence on crude oil persist. The government is not amenable to ranching which has been suggested as the panacea to the herders-farmer clashes and necessary to move pastoral farming in Nigeria to the mechanized level. The government has failed to initiate and carry out large scale agricultural programs solely or in partnership with commercial farmers.

Unemployment

Over 7 million Nigerians were out of jobs from 2015 till date and youth unemployment is highest. Nigerian youths are in despair as reported by National Bureau of Statistics. With thousands leaving university annually and not finding jobs and there's no hope with President Buhari at the helm of affairs. Companies have been laying off staff since the recent recession.

Democracy Under Threat

In recent times, the United States have warned of violence in the next election. The whole nation watched in aghast when armed men of the state security blockaded the National Assembly precinct. A democratic coup was averted but the threat to Nigeria democracy remains. The issue of the structure of the country has been on the front burners. President Buhari is averse to making changes to the constitution which will move Nigeria towards federalism. This has become a very important issue going into elections. The structural deficit of the country needs to be addressed.

Our Solution: #GrowNigeria

Failure to make progress in any of these areas and more which were not elucidated have stunted growth and the country needs a lifeline. We need a president who will solve these problems and #GrowNigeria. Dr Bukola Saraki is poised to tackle these issues head on with his vision and innovative leadership.

On security, the plan is to secure Nigeria by redesigning its national security architecture, while adequately equipping security agencies to fulfil their primary role of protecting lives and property.

In reviving the economy, infrastructural deficit through aggressive financing initiatives including mutually beneficial PPP arrangements, regular floating of bonds and other financial instruments, which will ensure stable, adequate and reliable funding to see to the completion of core projects especially road, rail and power. The stimulation of growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is critical to boosting the economy and to create wealth for Nigerians, especially the youth. Growing Nigerians out of poverty through diversification of the economy will be achieved through deliberate partnership with farmers in commercial agriculture such as the Shonga Farms model stated by Dr Saraki in Kwara State.

The fight against against corruption won’t be a selective fight . The emphasis will be on strengthening institutions, with a particular focus on deterrence. We cannot afford to compromise our institutions with proxy wars against perceived political opponents. We see the fight against corruption as crucial to Nigeria’s economic development.

To tackle unemployment, #GrowNigeria will employ a private sector led growth of the economy which will ensure businesses which have shut down are given the conducive environment resuscitate their operations and expansion. Attraction of foreign direct investment through multinationals which will commence operations and create employment.There will be  adequate policies to spur industrialization to transform Nigeria from an import dependent to an exporting country.

To deal with threat to our democracy, protection of all Nigerians and defence of their constitutional rights and freedoms is at the core of the vision. Adhering to the principle of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of democratic governance is the mantra. A plan to for inclusive governance. A country where every citizen has inalienable right to feel a sense of belonging, no matter their background, no matter their background or creed, what part of the country they come from.

Lastly in the words of Dr Bukola Saraki:

“This will be a dynamic government of action that will pursue the growth of Nigeria with doggedness, determination and conviction. I will lead a result-driven administration. We shall set targets with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables are met. You can benchmark us and hold us accountable. In short, I assure you that I will deliver on all promises. What I envision is a new chapter in governance in this country. We will be driven by what is best for Nigerians.”

~ ThankGod Ukachukwu is a Consultant and Current Affairs Analyst.