Rescuing Nigeria: The Imperative for Developmentalist Coalitions
Nigeria, rich in resources, faces significant challenges including poverty, corruption, and underemployment. A political scientist argues for the formation of a developmentalist coalition to spearhead efforts for national progress and economic diversification. This coalition, grounded in development nationalism, should prioritize governance reforms, youth empowerment, and constructive economic policies. Historical examples of successful coalitions in other nations provide a roadmap for Nigeria’s potential transformation.
Nigeria possesses an abundance of human and natural resources yet continues to face significant underdevelopment, characterized by high poverty, corruption, unemployment, and widespread inequality. The country is further exacerbated by the emergence of ethnic militias and terrorist threats. Key challenges stem from ineffective economic management and a lack of political leadership that fosters necessary structural reforms in both the economy and governance.
The root of Nigeria’s myriad crises, as posited by a political scientist specializing in the political economy of development, lies in the absence of a dedicated coalition of individuals who prioritize national interests. This group, referred to as a developmentalist coalition, is essential for Nigeria to unlock its full potential and cultivate a shared prosperous future through development nationalism.
Development nationalism emphasizes the commitment to advancing the nation’s welfare by enhancing citizens’ capabilities. Individuals driven by this ideology prioritize national loyalty over other affiliations, aiming to improve both the productive capacity of the nation and the well-being of its populace, ultimately breaking the cycle of underdevelopment and ensuring sustainable progress.
Historically, developmentalist coalitions have played a vital role in shaping the political and economic landscapes of several developed nations such as China, South Korea, and Singapore. In many cases, these coalitions have either formed their own political parties or influenced multiple parties to uphold common values and principles. Notable examples are the People’s Action Party in Singapore and Norway’s Labour Party.
Unfortunately, since attaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s political leadership, primarily concerned with self-preservation, has failed to establish a nationalistic approach. Consequently, Nigeria’s economy remains undiversified with insufficient investment in education, failing to cultivate necessary skills among graduates. Thus, the labor market remains dominated by informal sector jobs, which are often unstable and poorly compensated.
With approximately 70% of Nigeria’s population being under 30, there exists immense potential that is not being realized due to inadequate governance and structural support for youth empowerment. While individuals committed to development exist across various sectors, a lack of a cohesive coalition prevents these stakeholders from effectively working together.
To reverse this trend, it is imperative to establish a broad-based coalition of developmentalist elites. This coalition should pursue a shared vision for national development, potentially by founding a political party that can contest elections and leverage governmental influence towards creation of a robust manufacturing sector, improved governance, and citizen welfare.
The coalition’s key objectives should encompass rooting out corruption, fostering a thriving digital economy, promoting agro-allied industries, investing in critical infrastructure, and creating substantial job opportunities that would alleviate poverty and enhance social stability.
In summary, Nigeria’s journey towards development is hindered by poor governance, a lack of nationalistic leadership, and an inadequate coalition focused on progress. The establishment of a developmentalist coalition is essential to unify like-minded individuals who prioritize national interest above self-serving ambitions. Such a coalition could pave the way for meaningful reforms and sustainable development by fortifying economic structures, enhancing education systems, and addressing the needs of the youth. Only through collaborative efforts can Nigeria hope to achieve its significant potential and overcome its current challenges.
Original Source: theconversation.com
