Nigeria, rich in resources, struggles with underdevelopment characterized by poverty, corruption, unemployment, and inequality. A lack of nationalistic leadership has exacerbated these issues, necessitating the formation of a developmentalist coalition to enhance governance and promote national prosperity. By focusing on elevating productive capacity and the welfare of citizens, Nigeria can shift its trajectory towards lasting progress and development.
Nigeria is endowed with abundant human and natural resources, yet it remains entrenched in underdevelopment, characterized by high poverty levels, corruption, unemployment, and inequality. Compounded by increases in ethnic militias and terrorism, the political leadership has been ineffective in fostering structural economic and political transformation.
As a political scientist specializing in the political economy of development, I posit that Nigeria’s multifaceted crises result from the absence of a unifying group prioritizing the nation’s interests. This group is a coalition of developmentalists dedicated to national progress through a shared commitment to development nationalism, which emphasizes the enhancement of citizens’ capabilities and a prioritization of national loyalty over other identities.
This coalition must concentrate on fortifying Nigeria’s productive capacity and improving the welfare of its citizens. By establishing a consistent governance structure founded on the rule of law and the provision of essential public goods, Nigeria can potentially escape the cycle of underdevelopment.
Historically, developmental nationalism has undergirded political and economic advancements in several developed nations, such as China, South Korea, and Singapore. In these contexts, developmentalist elites have either formed their own political parties or infiltrated existing ones, ensuring that governance aligns with national objectives and values that bind citizens together.
Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s leadership has largely acted in self-interest rather than pursuing nationalist policies. This mismanagement has resulted in an undiversified economy and a deficient education system, failing to equip graduates with necessary entrepreneurial skills. Consequently, many young Nigerians are trapped in precarious employment conditions while the economy misses out on leveraging its youthful demographic, with 70% under 30 years.
The challenge facing Nigeria is not a shortage of development-focused individuals; rather, it is the lack of a cohesive coalition to act collaboratively in promoting industrialization and investing in its most vital resource: its people. Therefore, it is imperative that a developmentalist coalition is formed to steer the country towards a much-needed transformation.
To achieve this, a broad coalition of developmentalist elites must unify under a shared vision for national cohesion and development. This coalition may choose to establish a political party aimed at contesting elections and exercising power in a way that fosters national progress. Discipline and a collective commitment to the party’s objectives must be maintained to prevent the emergence of a power-hungry elite.
Establishing this coalition is essential for addressing Nigeria’s persistent corruption and creating a thriving manufacturing and digital economy, alongside fostering agro-allied industries, infrastructure investment, job creation, and poverty alleviation. The ultimate goal should be to revitalize Nigeria’s democracy, ensuring that political representatives and parties genuinely serve the interests of the people.
In summary, Nigeria is facing significant obstacles in its journey toward development due to underperformance in its political and economic spheres. The establishment of a developmentalist coalition is crucial for unifying efforts to enhance national progress and governance. By fostering a collective commitment to development nationalism, this coalition can break the cycle of underdevelopment and truly serve the interests of the Nigerian populace.
Original Source: theconversation.com
