By Aremu Ridwan
The mismanagement of public funds has become a recurring theme in the political climate of Nigeria. The lack of financial transparency and accountability has led to widespread corruption, with funds meant for development projects being diverted into private pockets. A classic example is the Paris Club refund, which was meant to benefit Nigerians but was squandered by some state governors.
The recent decision to allocate funds to Governors, as seen in the National Economic Council’s approval of fresh funding for state emergency management agencies, has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of governance in Nigeria. Instead of using the proceeds of fuel subsidy removal for substantive development, many Governors are embarking on capital projects that don’t contribute to tangible development in the lives of the masses. This approach is not only misguided but also highlights the disconnect between the government’s priorities and the needs of the people.
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In contrast, programs like N-Power and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme have demonstrated the potential of social investments to drive meaningful development. N-Power engaged over 1 million Nigerians, providing them with a stipend and skills training, while the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme fed over 9 million pupils, improving their nutrition and boosting local agriculture. These programs have shown that targeted social investments can have a positive impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians.
However, the current administration’s approach seems to be different. Instead of implementing targeted social investments, the President is dishing out money to Governors, who often have a history of misappropriating funds. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s poverty rate stands at around 40%, with millions of people living on less than $1.90 a day. In this context, it’s imperative that the government prioritizes social investments that benefit the common man.
The government can learn from successful social investment programs implemented in other African countries. For instance, Ghana’s Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program has been instrumental in reducing poverty and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Similarly, South Africa’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has provided critical support to millions of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs demonstrate the potential of social investments to drive meaningful development and improve the lives of Africans.
Finally, it’s time for Nigerians to demand more from their leaders. We need to hold our government accountable for its actions and ensure that resources are used effectively to benefit the people. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. As the saying goes, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Let’s dream of a Nigeria where governance is effective, and resources are used to benefit all.
Credit: Aremu Ridwan
