Raising lamentations over the many problems of Nigeria

The drivers of this economy do not seem to be doing much when you look at the multitude of challenges, politically motivated social issues, and related economic problems that continuously stream in against the comfort and existence of the citizenry, assessed on the basis of the unbearable, exacerbating pains people are facing in the economy. 

This assessment comes in the wake of the obvious socioeconomic pains that look as if there is no hope any longer. But, there ought to be hope, if the leadership can be sensitive enough to reflect, reassess and spontaneously reverse the trend of these unfair outcomes from the economic policies that have not effectively addressed the immediate needs of the suffering masses in the land – which is largely hunger as a result of rising cost of living.

This painful situation appears to the ruling class and those in governance as if they are isolated from the terrible economic experiences ravaging the entire system of human existence in the country on a daily basis. They operate as if they live in limbo, not knowing what to do! They do not seem to feel the impact of the financial flight arising from the trending hyperinflation in the economic space. They can afford it at any cost, one believes, is the psychology behind their perception. This, of course, is folly, selfish and heartless; where the leadership cannot place the needs of the governed on their priority list (as their primary reason for being in leadership). This pushes one to lament the bad governance, poor leadership performance resulting from the insensitivity of those in authority; and the major primary cause, the corruption in the entire system.

These issues and challenges that pose a national problem in governance, as against the expected national economic improvement and growth, have known solutions. The nation has all it takes (the required and the necessary potential), but it lacks the political will to prosecute the right process and procedures that can straighten out the nagging national assignments and tasks. This is a jinx that can only be individualistically broken by each and every leader in authority; with a personal resolve and a repentant heart to be patriotic, and for once, be determined to make sincere contributions and get this economy fixed! What has been the trending order of the day is that, every blessed day, we continue to go the same route, beating about the bush with unending rhetoric, contribution of ideas (proffering solutions that we all know are factual but, never implemented), deceitfully wasting all the energies through convention of conferences, retreats and workshops; whereas we know the right cord to strike and achieve the required results, economically.

One strongly believes that the solution to end this hopeless situation and economic hardship is in the hands of the leadership, if they sincerely and collectively resolve to tackle the many problems of Nigeria. Exemplary leadership demands that every leader would influence the follower by showing examples through his/her immediate personal conducts in private life and business life, alike. This could serve as preaching an homily but, sociologically, humans are expected to put up acceptable conducts in their interpersonal relationships with others. Taking that behaviour and habit of exhibiting it publicly would definitely rub off positively on the subjects hence, the impact of good governance. Nepotism should be disallowed in a pluralistic society like ours. Fair treatment of the citizens should reflect through meritocracy in most national engagements. The principle of national character and the policy of evenly spread appointments of public officers seem to have been a thing of the past in our national life.

The environmental and security challenges in the land, where lives of many Nigerians are no longer secured for free movements around the country, are trends that were never in existence in the past but, today, just going to the farm for economic purpose is threatened due to losses through assassination of farmers who are the major providers of food in the land. Fear of being killed has disrupted the usual trend of food production in the country, which also contributes to the rising cost of food stuff. The social menace of insecurity is very worrisome because people are constantly being killed through the rise in terrorism and banditry in many parts of the country. The spate of violence and kidnappings worsens the security situation in the country. This is one area the leadership needs to pay serious attention to.         

In conclusion, one will continue to point to the fact that adequate supply of crude oil to the existing modular refineries and the gigantic Dangote plant is a sure way of reducing the many economic pains in the land. This is because local refining of crudes (especially if they are supplied in the naira denominated values) shall drastically ease off the foreign exchange (FX) burden on the economy. The local currency would gradually pick up at the FX market, once the locally refined products make for Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in her domestic energy daily demand. We should be mindful of the fact that energy supply and demand are the hidden bedrock for all daily economic activities because, without energy humans cannot function (all human needs revolve around energy consumption, including the food we eat).

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