Nigeria is 54 years old today. Opinions have been split on
whether it calls for celebration or not. I’m completely indifferent about
birthday’s and celebrations so my opinion is divided on that. However, it is
instructive to lay the facts bare.
54 years after, Nigeria remains an unfulfilled potential.
Largely dependent on oil, declining educational system, increasing
unemployment, neck deep in corruption. Constant electricity remains a dream.
On the other hand, our electioneering has really improved in
recent times, railways are gradually being eased back to the society, mortality
rate has improved from 47 years to 52 years. We have continued to remain
relevant in the world of sports. Our agriculture has improved tremendously and
as a result, food importation has reduced significantly. While Nigeria is not
at the global level technologically, we are making giant strides, at least in
the software development sector. A significant number of government activities have
been automated in a bid to end bureaucracy, ensure transparency and curb
corruption. One big beneficiary can be found in our ports: the automation has
ensured goods are cleared on time and that has translated to a lot more revenue
for the government.
I think Nigeria is in a very delicate situation. Leadership,
it is said, is a reflection of her followers. So while it is easy to point
hands at the leaders as responsible for our failures, it is difficult to see
how many followers would have done any better. Nigeria is currently headed in
the wrong direction. It is difficult to see us making a U-turn any time soon. I
have thought endlessly of concrete steps that can be taken to improve our
situation. Major problem has been itemizing and prioritizing them. I will trying
doing so over the next 30 days.
For Nigeria to attempt to head in the right direction, our
cost of governance must be cut. I would recommend as high as 60%. Money is the
attraction of politics in Nigeria and that’s why semi-educated people who have
enough money to fund campaigns (and bribe their way through) are in power
today. I believe that once that money is taken out the picture, only people
with genuine interest in service will step forward.
I find it difficult to take any public office holder serious
with the amount of money they earn. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I can’t
reconcile their earnings and the fact that they are in office for service.
I belong to the school of thought that all public office
holders should have their children school in the country. May I add also, they must
get all their medical welfare taken care of right here in Nigeria.
After deep thought, I feel electricity should the first
thing any serious thinking government should tackle head-on. It’s a little bewildering
that we haven’t been able to get electricity right in this country. The problems
electricity will solve in this country are endless: manufacturing, telecoms,
small and medium scale enterprises, education, health care. I know you can add
more to the list.
What problems do you think electricity could solve in
Nigeria? DO you think electricity is not of utmost priority right now? What do
you think takes precedence?
