Chapter 5: HOW POLICIES AND LAWS AFFECT THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

HOW POLICIES AND LAWS AFFECT THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

No matter how extensive the list of challenges Nigeria faces, they often stem from the nation’s laws and policies, which, rather than uplifting, seem to drag everyone down to maintain a fragile facade of federal unity. These subversive laws and policies have, over the years, fostered a culture of laziness and a lack of productivity, ultimately pointing to the presence of bad governance.

Laws and policies are the backbone of any nation’s development. They shape the economy, influence social behaviour, and determine the efficiency of governance. In Nigeria, however, these laws and policies have frequently been designed or implemented in ways that hinder rather than promote progress.

For instance, the centralisation of power in the federal government has led to inefficiencies and a lack of accountability. This over-centralisation prevents states and local governments from effectively addressing their unique challenges and exploiting their specific resources. The result is a one-size-fits-all approach that stifles innovation and localised solutions, contributing to underdevelopment in various regions.

A similar situation can be observed in other nations where policies have led to poor governance. For example, Venezuela’s economic policies, particularly the nationalisation of key industries and price controls, have led to a dramatic economic collapse. Instead of fostering growth, these policies created a dependency on government handouts, diminished productivity, and resulted in widespread poverty.

In Nigeria, the mismanagement of natural resources, particularly oil, is another glaring example of how policies can be detrimental. The failure to enact and enforce policies that promote transparency and equitable distribution of wealth has led to corruption, environmental degradation, and social unrest, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The neglect of this region, despite its contribution to the national economy, highlights the dangers of policies that favour certain groups or interests over others.

Moreover, Nigeria’s education policies have not effectively addressed the needs of the population. With outdated curricula, inadequate funding, and poor infrastructure, the educational system produces graduates who are often ill-equipped to meet the demands of the job market. This contributes to high unemployment rates and a cycle of poverty, further exacerbating the country’s development challenges.

Countries that have implemented progressive and inclusive policies tend to experience better governance and development outcomes. For example, Singapore’s transformation from a third-world country to a first-world nation within a few decades is often attributed to its effective governance and forward-thinking policies. These policies prioritised education, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption measures, creating an environment conducive to growth and prosperity.

The essence of leadership is not merely to hold power but to guide and redirect citizens along the right path. If citizens were capable of leading themselves without guidance, the need for leadership would diminish. However, the responsibility of making the right choices and ensuring that citizens abide by them rests on the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies and laws. When leaders lack the will to do what is evidently right, bad governance ensues.

In Nigeria, the impact of poor leadership and ill-conceived policies is evident in the lack of progress across various sectors. For the nation to realise its potential, there must be a concerted effort to reform its laws and policies, ensuring they are designed to promote productivity, accountability, and equitable development. Only then can Nigeria begin to overcome its challenges and embark on a path of sustainable growth.