Nigeria: Changing Narratives at 62

Shouldn't Nigeria seek recolonisation...perhaps, Germany or France should colonise us in the next round? This was the agitating question posed to me by a brilliant young mind after a recent 'History and Structure of the Nigerian economy' class. Clearly, nation-building and sustainable development requires much more than a formal declaration of national sovereignty.

The question mirrors the deep frustration of youth with the status quo since Nigeria gained her Independence from colonial rule in 1960. They wonder why fate had not granted them the priviledge of witnessing the 'golden' era of colonial governance and post-independence regional governments. 


Need we blame colonial rule and decades of military dictatorship for the devastating blows to the ruling constitution and culture of the Nigerian people? I think not. 


Singapore, also a former colony of Britain, transformed from a third world underdeveloped nation to a developed market economy, led by a military, imperfect, West-deviant, but visionary nationalistic leader, Lee Kuan Yew. In 2022, decades long after Yew's governance intervention, Singapore ranks first on the Index of Economic Freedom, computed by The Heritage Foundation. 


Rwanda is currently weaving its own development story by drawing lessons from the Singaporean experience. While it may not be wholesome to blindly adopt any laundry list of policy recommendations from developed societies, a dose of political will towards inclusive development is always welcome.


Nigeria's Independence rode on the wheels of optimistic, patriotic, and nationalistic Founding Fathers, who sought to rebuild the ruins of colonial dependency by forging the constitutional tapestry for a peaceful, progressive, diverse but a purposefully united people. To date, we seem not place value on their landmark contributions.


What difference has the return to democratic rule made in the development trajectory of Nigeria? If we think through our facts, we may count many wins as much as losses, albeit with some ray of hope for recovery.


Historically, inefficiency in public-sector led provision of merit goods and social services, coupled with waning confidence in the local government apparatus, has paved the way for a more pragmatic, market-driven and participatory citizen-sector led development narrative in Nigeria.  


Forward-looking and constructive approaches to the study of our cultural incentives and political economy, over and above a sense of hopelessness, can help us create the Nigeria of our dreams.


Surely we require a generation of visionary leadership and a crop of citizens with nation-building ethos, a stakeholder mentality and an unflinching commitment to make Nigeria great again. 


We all have designated roles to play in turning the negative stains on the garments of our collective history into positive energy for change and development.


Let us learn from the past, cuddle our wins, and devise participatory pathways to a sustainable future for our beloved and blessed nation. Yes we can!


Happy 62nd Independence Anniversary to Nigeria!


Long live Nigeria!


Peace and prosperity to Nigeria and all who delight in her!


01.10.2022

Comments

Peter Kenechukwu said…
Time to really evaluate things and make up our minds. Excellent piece ma’am.
11 October 2022 at 23:07
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