By Samuel Jekeli
Nigeria, a nation rich in resources and diverse cultures, presents a paradox in policy effectiveness. The country has long been seen as an economic powerhouse in Africa, boasting vast oil reserves, a youthful population, and a strategic geographic location. However, despite these advantages, Nigeria struggles with pervasive issues like corruption, poor governance, and socio-economic inequalities. This contradiction raises a fundamental question: How can a nation equipped with seemingly effective policies end up stagnating or regressing in key developmental areas? The answer lies in the analogy of an effective vehicle steered by destructive chauffeurs.
Policies in Nigeria, on paper, often exhibit sound intentions and align with best practices in governance and development. For example, the Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) launched in 2017 aimed to restore growth, invest in people, and build a globally competitive economy. Similarly, the Nigerian Vision 2020 initiative, proposed in the late 2000s, set out an ambitious goal for Nigeria to become one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020. These plans encapsulated clear objectives such as diversifying the economy away from oil dependency, fostering human capital development, and enhancing infrastructure. The vehicles, in this case, were well-designed and ready for the road.
The problem, however, lies with the drivers—those at the helm of implementing and managing these policies. Corruption has been a persistent blight on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Transparency International consistently ranks Nigeria poorly in its Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating a deep-seated issue with mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds. This corruption is not just limited to high-profile political figures but permeates various levels of government and public services. The consequences are dire: resources intended for public projects and services are often diverted into private pockets, undermining policy objectives and eroding public trust.
Take the case of Nigeria’s oil wealth, a key driver of its economy. Despite being one of the world’s largest oil producers, Nigeria struggles with fuel shortages and lacks adequate refining capacity. Billions of dollars generated from oil revenues have not translated into substantial improvements in infrastructure or public welfare. This situation exemplifies how effective policies can be derailed by mismanagement and corruption. The policies aimed at leveraging oil wealth for national development were sound, but the leadership’s inability or unwillingness to effectively manage and reinvest those resources rendered them ineffective.
Another illustrative example is the agricultural sector, which has significant potential to diversify Nigeria’s economy and ensure food security. Policies such as the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) and the establishment of various agricultural credit schemes were designed to boost productivity and modernize farming practices. Despite these initiatives, the sector remains largely underdeveloped, plagued by outdated farming techniques, poor access to finance, and inadequate infrastructure. Again, the vehicle—the policies—were functional and well-intended, but the drivers—implementation mechanisms and oversight—failed to deliver the expected results.
The education sector in Nigeria further highlights this discrepancy. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, introduced in 1999, aimed to provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for every child. Despite significant allocations of resources and numerous reforms, the education system suffers from underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers. Reports of inflated contracts and uncompleted projects are rampant, showing how the corruption and inefficiency of those managing the program cripple its effectiveness.
Public healthcare in Nigeria also mirrors this troubling dynamic. Policies such as the National Health Act and various health insurance schemes have been put in place to ensure access to quality healthcare services. Yet, Nigeria’s healthcare system remains under-resourced and overburdened, with high maternal and child mortality rates and limited access to essential services. Here, too, corruption and poor governance undermine policy goals, resulting in inadequate service delivery and poor health outcomes.
This pattern extends to infrastructure development. Initiatives to enhance transport networks, energy supply, and digital connectivity are frequently undermined by poor execution and graft. Projects are often delayed, over-budget, or abandoned entirely, not because of flaws in the policy frameworks but due to inefficiencies and corrupt practices among those responsible for implementation.
Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, strengthening institutions and fostering a culture of accountability is crucial. Anti-corruption agencies need to be empowered and insulated from political interference to effectively combat graft. Enhancing transparency in public procurement processes and involving civil society in monitoring public projects can also help curb corruption. Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to build capacity among public servants, ensuring that they have the skills and integrity needed to implement policies effectively.
Nigeria’s policy landscape illustrates a critical lesson: even the most well-crafted policies can fail if not implemented with integrity and efficiency. The country’s journey toward development and prosperity depends not just on the quality of its policies but on the competence and ethical standards of those who drive them. Without addressing the fundamental issues of corruption and governance, Nigeria risks remaining a nation with great potential perpetually undermined by poor stewardship. In essence, for Nigeria to move forward, it must find drivers who can responsibly and effectively navigate the path set by its policies.
. Jekeli writes from Centre for Social Justice, Abuja