Reducing Governance Costs Crucial for Nigeria’s Recovery, Experts Say

Nigeria is confronted with pressing challenges that demand immediate solutions. A critical step in addressing these issues is to reduce the cost of governance. Political parties should prioritize policies aimed at steering Nigeria away from the edge.

The system that created Nigeria’s problems cannot solve them. A fundamental change is needed, one that political elites alone cannot achieve. Often, these elites prioritize personal gain over the collective good, leading to wasteful spending and ineffective governance. To improve, Nigeria needs a system that ensures fairness and cost control, aligning with global standards.

Political elites are central to Nigeria’s issues. Despite their talents, when they unite, they often prioritize wealth accumulation over national service. This behavior includes wasteful projects, mismanaged resources, and politically motivated appointments, showing a lack of integrity and social justice.

The political elite’s feudalistic background, reinforced by previous military regimes, influences their approach. Instead of managing resources responsibly, they focus on personal gain. This has led to a superficial change from military to civilian rule, with fiscal indiscipline prevailing.

Many politicians view politics as a means to enrich themselves. They see winning elections as an investment and seek the highest returns, rather than focusing on national service. This mindset fuels corruption, increases governance costs, and degrades service quality.

Without change, Nigeria will continue to suffer. Politicians often engage in blame games instead of seeking solutions. Their lack of integrity has brought the country to its current state. Effective governance requires statesmen with integrity and a commitment to social justice. These leaders must implement a cost-effective governance model to steer Nigeria out of its difficulties.

To develop an effective governance model, Nigeria must consider its resources realistically. The assumption that Nigeria is the giant of Africa is flawed. Governance costs should reflect the country’s resources, size, and development level. Currently, over 70% of Nigeria’s resources are spent on governance, which is unsustainable.

Proposed Solutions

1. Cost Management: Governance costs should not exceed 30% of national resources. This would leave 70% for crucial areas like education, health, and infrastructure.
2. Learning from Others: Nigeria should learn from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, which have successfully transitioned from underdevelopment to economic prosperity.
3. Objective Realities: The governance model should consider Nigeria’s status as the world’s poverty capital. The remuneration for legislators and executives must be realistic and in line with the country’s economic status.

Implementation Tips

1. Leadership and Budgeting: The Chief Executive, whether the President, Governor, or LGA Chairman, must lead the budget process. The legislative arm should support this effort.
2. Civil Service Efficiency: Public servant remuneration should be prioritized in the budget. A leaner, more efficient civil service is crucial.
3. Project-Specific Loans: Loans should be tied to self-sustaining projects, ensuring they contribute to economic stability.
4. Pensions: Pensions should be contributory and tied to the period of service, avoiding ex-gratia payments and rolling liabilities.
5. Ombudsman: Establish a strong, independent public service consumer commission to ensure accountability and transparency.

To develop a viable governance model, realistic views must be taken of the country’s resources. The idea that Nigeria is the giant of Africa is misleading. Governance must be seen as a common service, with costs relative to the country’s resources and development level. Currently, over 70% of Nigeria’s resources are spent on governance, a figure that is unsustainable and demands a paradigm shift.

Nigeria can draw lessons from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, which have made significant strides in development. At independence, Nigeria was economically on par with these countries. However, through efficient governance and resource management, these nations have transformed into economic powerhouses. Emulating their consumption patterns and governance models can provide valuable insights for Nigeria.

Nigeria must acknowledge its status as the world’s poverty capital and align its governance model accordingly. Comparing the remuneration of Nigerian legislators and executives with those in more affluent nations highlights a glaring disparity. The consumption pattern of governance must be based on Nigeria’s objective realities to ensure sustainable development.

Achieving a Balanced Governance Model

1. Leadership in Budgeting: The Chief Executive, be it the President, Governor, or LGA Chairman, must lead the budget process, with the legislative arm as a supportive team member.
2. Civil Service Remuneration: The remuneration of public servants should be the first allocation in the budget. A leaner, more efficient civil service can enhance productivity and reduce costs.
3. Project-Specific Loans: Loans should be tied to specific projects or investments, ensuring they are self-sustaining and contribute to economic stability.
4. Contributory Pensions: Pensions must be contributory, charged to the period of service, with no ex-gratia payments or rollover of liabilities.
5. Strong Public Service Oversight: Establish a strong public service consumer commission, led by an independent statesman, to ensure accountability and transparency.

Achieving success in Nigeria requires collective effort. Politics should not be left solely to politicians. Everyone can contribute, applying this governance model to ensure Nigeria’s progress. Ignoring this approach will lead to continued self-serving actions by leaders.

Streamlining governance costs can set Nigeria on the path to recovery. This change will ensure resources are used effectively, addressing the country’s critical needs. By adopting a more efficient governance model, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Nigeria’s success hinges on our collective desire for progress. This requires active participation from all citizens, ensuring that politics is not left solely to politicians. By considering and applying this governance model, we can contribute to the country’s progress in small and significant ways. Streamlining governance costs is not just a suggestion but a necessity for Nigeria’s future. The longer this thesis is ignored, the more we should expect actions from our leaders that are less than altruistic.

Reducing the cost of governance is a crucial step towards addressing Nigeria’s myriad problems. By adopting a more efficient governance model, aligning with global standards, and learning from other nations, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable development. It is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of every citizen, ensuring that Nigeria moves forward towards a brighter future.

Source: The Guardian