Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, its biggest economy and the fourth largest producer of oil in the world yet many of its people live in abject poverty. Mass unemployment, decaying infrastructure, endemic corruption, ethno-religious crisis, insecurity, poor governance, declining quality of education, weak healthcare system, epileptic power supply, coupled with a myriad of other problems have continued to mitigate the growth of the country. The global oil market crash and COVID-19 pandemic further dwindled the country’s economy, ravaging its citizens in 2020. Nigeria is indeed in an ugly state. BARBARA NEGBEJIE seeks recommendations on the way forward for Nigeria in 2021.
‘Better management strategies’
2020 is a year that Nigerians will never forget in a hurry. Events such as COVID-19, insecurity, #EndSARS protest, ASUU strike, pipeline explosions e.t.c have impacted terribly on Nigerians. It is therefore expected that 2021 will usher in better management strategies by Government that will tackle insecurity, epileptic power supply, COVID-19 pandemic and ensure job creation for our teaming jobless youths.
‘Get rid of ethnicity issues’
I don’t see 2021 being better than 2020, not with bad leadership and governance, greed, corruption and killings. Until we all start loving our country, ourselves and the environment, get rid of ethnicity. A better 2021 for me means “TOTAL REVOLUTION “.
‘All regions and citizens should embrace peace, stop politicising everything’
The way forward for Nigeria in 2021 is for all regions and its citizens to embrace “PEACE” and stop politicising everything that affects the existence of human beings. Nigeria should begin to take seriously its agenda for economic diversification and promote a serene environment for foreign investors to play on a level playing field. In conclusion, Nigeria must say no to insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, child trafficking and other social and moral ills and embrace dialogue in every facet of life
‘See the country as a collective project and common patrimony’
The way forward for Nigeria in 2021 and beyond is for all Nigerians to see the country as a collective project and common patrimony, not the business of politicians; and accordingly take responsibility and ownership of the project irrespective of their social status, tribes and beliefs. Importantly, proper education must occupy the front burner for any meaningful development to take place in Nigeria.
‘Tackle issue of insecurity’
Entrenched in the Nigerian constitution is the safeguard of lives and properties of Nigerians, as the primary responsibility of the government. This implies that the Nigerian government should tackle the issue of insecurity in Nigeria. If this can be done, then the many issues of kidnapping, displacement of people and killing of Nigerians will be grossly reduced, making Nigeria a safe and hospitable place to all and sundry. A safe environment makes development and growth possible.
