Nigeria is rich in resources but faces severe issues such as poverty, corruption, and unemployment. A developmentalist coalition is necessary to prioritize national interests and foster structural changes in governance and the economy. Guided by the principles of development nationalism, this coalition can facilitate job creation, education reform, and the establishment of a robust economic framework to promote lasting progress.
Nigeria possesses vast human and natural resources yet grapples with significant underdevelopment. High rates of poverty, corruption, unemployment, and inequality plague the nation. Additionally, the rise of ethnic militias and terrorist threats compound existing challenges, alongside violent conflicts between armed herders and rural communities over land rights.
The country’s current predicament can be attributed to ineffective economic management and political leadership that has not fostered essential structural changes within both the economy and political sphere. To address these issues, the formation of a developmentalist coalition is crucial, composed of individuals who prioritize national interests above personal agendas.
Development nationalism, which emphasizes the commitment to advancing the nation and improving citizen welfare, must serve as the ideological backbone of this coalition. By cultivating capabilities among the populace and enhancing productive capacity, Nigeria can break the cycle of underdevelopment and pave the way for enduring progress.
A clear governance framework is essential, ensuring the rule of law while providing critical public services to citizens. Many developed nations emphasize such coalitions that cultivate political and economic stability; notable examples include China, South Korea, and Singapore, where developmental nationalism has proven pivotal.
In Nigeria’s context, establishing a coalition of developmental elites is necessary to overcome a history marked by leaders who have acted in self-interest rather than national interest. This has left the economy under-diversified with a dwindling manufacturing sector, stifling job creation potential.
Furthermore, these political leaders have underfunded education, contrary to UNESCO’s recommendation that 26% of the national budget be allocated for this sector. Additionally, they have failed to foster an environment conducive to job creation, leaving many young Nigerians in low-wage, unstable employment conditions.
With approximately 70% of Nigeria’s over 200 million population under the age of 30, the potential for a more prosperous nation is immense, yet unrealized. The challenge lies not in the absence of individuals committed to national development, but rather in their lack of organization into a cohesive coalition to advocate for their shared goals.
Now is the critical moment to form this developmentalist coalition to redirect Nigeria’s governance and developmental strategies. Members could create a political party that embodies developmental ideals and effectively contests elections to secure power.
This emerging party would need to maintain discipline among its members, placing collective national objectives above individual ambitions to avert the pitfalls of past political systems. Establishing such a coalition could significantly reduce corruption while building strong sectors such as manufacturing and the digital economy, ultimately transforming Nigeria’s political landscape into one that truly represents the people’s interests.
In summary, Nigeria’s challenges of underdevelopment, corruption, and ineffective leadership can potentially be addressed through the establishment of a developmentalist coalition. This coalition must unite individuals committed to national progress and be driven by the ideology of development nationalism. By fostering an environment conducive to economic growth, job creation, and educational reform, Nigeria could pave the way towards a more prosperous and equitable future for its citizens.
Original Source: theconversation.com
