Building a Prosperous Nation: A pathway for sustainable development, by Yusuf Alhaji Lawan
As I emerged from my self-imposed travel hiatus, necessitated by Nigeria’s current challenges, I found myself at a wedding ceremony surrounded by friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. The occasion turned into a poignant moment of reflection when a discussion ensued, sparked by Freedom Radio Station’s haunting portraits of dilapidated primary schools, as posted on one of its social media handles. This chance encounter served as a stark reminder of the pressing need for sustainable development in our nation, prompting me to ponder the pathways to building a prosperous Nigeria, where such dismal scenes are a relic of the past.
The images of the schools, showcased in a deplorable state of disrepair, were nothing short of heartbreaking. Crumbling walls, collapsed roofs, and classes devoid of doors and windows in a distressing neglect. The sheer existence of such facilities, still in use, raise disturbing questions. The absence of effective governance and accountability is glaring, leaving one to wonder: who is responsible for allowing such conditions to persist?
It’s ironic that the same state where these dilapidated schools are found had in the recent past, allegedly invested 25 billion Naira in a single underpass, one of many such projects. This revelation sparked a fervent response from me, as I passionately pointed out that if the state government had channeled that enormous sum into primary education, the transformative impact would be undeniable. The thought sent a surge of urgency through me, highlighting the stark contrast between the state’s priorities and the pressing needs of its education sector.
A knowing glance from an acquaintance hinted that I was missing the underlying dynamics. ‘You don’t understand the game plan,’ he whispered, revealing a troubling truth. Large-scale projects like the underpass, flyovers, etc are often designed to funnel massive funds into a single contract, making it easier to divert huge sums. In contrast, dispersing funds across multiple smaller projects, such as renovating primary schools, would require breaking down the budget into smaller allocations. This fragmentation makes it harder to extract substantial amount into private pocket, unlike the lucrative single-contract arrangement.
This revelation left me stunned. It appears that this is the underlying reason why many states prioritise grand infrastructure projects like flyovers, underpasses, and overhead bridges, even when they aren’t the most pressing needs. While these structures are essential for ensuring smooth traffic flow in urban areas, they should be subject to a prioritisation framework, where each state evaluates its most critical requirements and ranks them accordingly. Instead, it seems that the potential for large-scale contracts and associated benefits takes precedence, warping the allocation of resources and neglecting more pressing concerns, like the deplorable state of schools.
Building a prosperous nation is not a miraculous feat as achieved by some developing countries, leaving us behind. Rather, it is the result of intentional efforts, marked by selflessness and sacrifice. Empty promises and lip service are no longer sufficient; tangible actions are required. While some individuals may be misled into believing falsehoods for a time, the collective wisdom of the people will ultimately prevail. It is time for us to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps towards creating a brighter future.
It’s a fundamental truth that economic growth is driven by production, not taxation. Unfortunately, our leaders seem to be oblivious to this reality. Rather than focusing on revitalising our dormant industries and establishing new ones, they prioritise grand infrastructure projects like bridges, which are often tainted by rampant corruption. This misallocation of resources is disheartening, as it diverts attention and investment away from the very sectors that could stimulate sustainable economic development and prosperity.
A former governor, now embroiled in controversy and seeking sympathy, had previously sought massive foreign loans while in office. However, these funds were not allocated towards industrial development, but rather towards demolishing and rebuilding flyovers and internal roads. If prioritised and managed sincerely, these projects could have been covered by internal revenue and monthly subventions. It is likely that the resources were mismanaged, which only a thorough investigation can uncover. Now, the former governor is frantically trying to sweep the issue under the rug.
Individuals like him pose a significant threat to the prosperity of our nation, and the public should be cautious of their actions. Nation-building is a long-term endeavor that cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a collective effort that requires the contributions of all citizens. Nevertheless, it is crucial that competent and capable leaders, both elected and appointed, are at the helm of affairs to guide us towards a brighter future. Their effective leadership is essential for setting our nation on the right trajectory.
The change in administration at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is yet to yield tangible benefits for Nigerians, as the economy remains in disarray, potentially even worse than before. One doesn’t need to be an Economics expert to understand the detrimental effects of high interest rates on the economy. While developing nations are advocating for single-digit interest rates, with some even adopting interest-free loans, Nigeria’s interest rate has been hiked to a staggering 26.75%. It’s absurd to expect any business venture to thrive with such conditions. It’s high time our leaders demonstrate genuine commitment and sincerity in building a prosperous future for our country, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
To revitalise our nation’s prospects, we must prioritise a multifaceted approach. In education, investing in teacher training, infrastructure development, and technology integration can enhance learning outcomes. In healthcare, increasing funding for primary care, expanding health insurance coverage, and promoting public-private partnerships can improve access and quality. To stimulate economic growth, we should focus on diversification, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and investing in strategic sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. By addressing these critical areas, we can create a virtuous cycle of development, where educated and healthy citizens drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and prosperity, ultimately building a thriving nation for generations to come.
The stark reality of Nigeria’s economic woes demands a paradigm shift in leadership and governance. The perpetuation of corrupt practices, misallocation of resources, and misguided policies has brought our nation to its knees. It is imperative that we demand more from our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. The future of Nigeria depends on our collective ability to prioritise the greater good, foster a culture of transparency and accountability, and embrace a sincere commitment to building a prosperous nation for all. The time for change is now, let us rise to the challenge and create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
Yusuf Alhaji Lawan writes from Hausawa Asibiti Ward, Potiskum Yobe State. He can be reached via nasidi30@gmail.com.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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