Nigeria has always been referred to as the giant of Africa. The country is not only a giant because of its large landmass, population and abundant human and material resources, it is a giant because of the love and support it gives to other African countries during their times of need.
The African continent is the major beneficiary of Nigeria’s benevolence. Africa is the major priority of its foreign policy, especially on international affairs.
Nigeria gained its independence from British colonial masters after intense struggle for liberation by our leaders and student activists from various ethnic, religious, social and cultural backgrounds.
At independence, Nigeria depended largely on its agricultural produce for sustenance and foreign revenues. Later, however, the country discovered oil in commercial quantities, which opened the door to massive wealth.
However, the increased revenue from crude oil, which should have been used to advance the growth and development of the country, beclouded the sense of reasoning of our political leaders. They did not think of economic diversification or improving the agricultural sector.
The mismanagement of oil resources created a high rate of unemployment. Every administration continues to initiate poverty alleviation programmes to address youth unemployment.
The incentives could, however, not check the level of poverty, which keeps growing. Clearly, the best solution is simply to look inwards.
Looking inwards simply means that Nigerians should think about ways and means of building Nigeria.
Every year, Nigeria’s universities churn out a large population of graduates, sending them into the job market. The government should encourage and promote local content, whereby contracts for the building of bridges, schools and hospitals, among others, should be given to Nigerian-owned firm, with Nigerian engineers and Nigerian suppliers providing most of the required services.
Our indigenous engineers can only succeed when they are encouraged with patronage.
Similarly, the government should find ways of discouraging medical tourism. Nigeria’s top government functionaries and those in the private sector seem to have a preference for medical treatment abroad when we have qualified and competent medical professionals at home.
We just need to improve the quality of our medical facilities, with qualified Nigerian health workers and medical personnel, to attract even foreigners to come here for treatment.
We are living witnesses to the fact that some countries that were also colonised and got their independence are doing well in various sectors. We should emulate them and ensure the rapid development of our economy.
We can only grow and reduce the unemployment rate if our graduate engineers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, administrators, communicators, among others, are given the opportunity to contribute to national development through a conducive environment.
I also strongly believe that improving the standard of our educational facilities at all levels—primary, secondary and tertiary institutions—would ensure that our youths are well educated and qualified for the jobs.
Meanwhile, it is only through education and job placements that we can reduce the rate of criminality, including armed robbery, militancy, kidnapping, prostitution, among other vices.
Isiaka Habeeb
habeebisiaka54@yahoo.com
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