The federal government has been urged to develop clear-cut economic policies to alleviate the poverty and inequality faced by Nigerians.
Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, a lecturer at the Islamic faith-based institution, Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, gave this advice while delivering a lecture titled “Renewed Hope: Charting a Positive Path for Nigeria’s Future – Islamic Perspective” at the 2023 elective conference of an Islamic organization, the Companion, Kwara district in Ilorin over the weekend.
Dr Lafiagi emphasised that well-defined economic policies would rescue the country from its current situation. He advised the federal government to encourage the saving of oil earnings for rainy days and exercise prudence in government spending.
“Nigeria should learn to save oil earnings and avoid excessive sharing of national resources to avert economic challenges,” he said.
The university lecturer commended the present administration for its efforts in saving on oil subsidy removal and the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
He stressed that part of the clear-cut economic policies should be to encourage investments in agriculture, address insecurity, reduce dependence on oil, and focus on non-oil exports and local products.
He added, “The federal government should prioritise our basic needs, especially basic healthcare, and conduct local government elections to promote socio-economic development at the grassroots since the people will be in charge of their affairs.”
Dr Lafiagi also called for a reduction in frivolous spending on past leaders in the form of severance packages to combat corruption and promote the welfare of public workers.
He emphasised the importance of social investment programs to improve the lives of low-income individuals in the country, akin to the zakat in Islam, as many common people are facing challenges.
Moreover, the university don suggested that the government should engage youth in skill acquisition programs to empower them in entrepreneurship. He also recommended a review of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program to include industrial training for Nigerian youths.
Dr Lafiagi noted that the hope of Nigerians was shattered during the last administration but urged people to renew their hope and continue praying and working hard to ensure the success of the current administration.
He said, “This administration needs to succeed, or else it becomes a big insult to us Muslims because we know the religious bigotry, hatred, and all that we went through during the electioneering campaign. So, we pray Allah guides our president and governors to do what’s right for the country and take us to greater heights.”
Dr Lafiagi emphasized the importance of leadership and followership traditions in the nation’s progress and urged Muslims to actively participate in democracy and groom the next set of leaders.
He praised President Bola Tinubu but challenged him not to appoint individuals lacking capacity, credibility, or integrity as aides, stressing the need to appoint suitable candidates for specific roles.
Overall, Dr Lafiagi highlighted the importance of well-thought-out economic policies, responsible governance, and citizen involvement in ensuring Nigeria’s growth and success.
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