Is the NBS subtly legitimizing prostitution by including it in Nigeria’s GDP?

Is the NBS subtly legitimizing prostitution by including it in Nigeria’s GDP?

The recent announcement by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to include illegal activities such as prostitution and drug peddling in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculation has sparked widespread debate. The move, described by NBS officials as aligning with international best practices under the System of National Accounts (SNA) 2008, raises ethical, social, and economic questions that Nigeria must grapple with.

On the surface, the NBS’s decision appears technical, even logical. It aligns Nigeria’s economic accounting with international standards, capturing hidden and informal economic activities that contribute to the nation’s economic output. This inclusion is not unique to Nigeria; countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy have incorporated similar calculations into their GDP. However, in a society where morality and legality often clash with economic pragmatism, the implications of such a move warrant deeper scrutiny as it has raised the question of whether prostitution is an economic activity or a social Ill?

Prostitution, often referred to as the world’s oldest profession, is illegal in Nigeria. It is a practice condemned by cultural, religious, and moral norms across the country. Including it in GDP calculations seemingly acknowledges its existence as an economic activity. But does this acknowledgment inadvertently legitimize it?

The NBS has argued that the inclusion is purely statistical and does not equate to legal acceptance. Yet, the line between recognition and legitimization is thin. By quantifying the economic contributions of prostitution, the government indirectly assigns value to an activity it deems illegal. For a country struggling with moral decadence, youth unemployment, and gender-based violence, this could send a contradictory message. It raises the question: “How does a society reconcile its legal and moral stance against prostitution with the economic recognition of its contributions?”

From an economic standpoint, the informal and illegal sectors contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. Prostitution, drug peddling, and other hidden activities provide livelihoods for many and, ironically, may fill gaps left by the formal sector’s failures. For example, many women engage in prostitution as a last resort due to poverty and lack of opportunities. Including their earnings in GDP calculations reflects a harsh economic reality but does not address the root causes of their plight.

Critics argue that focusing on these activities detracts from efforts to combat them. Instead of quantifying the contributions of prostitution to GDP, should the government not prioritize eradicating the socioeconomic conditions that drive individuals into it? The inclusion risks normalizing activities that undermine societal values, perpetuate exploitation, and exacerbate inequality.

Countries that include prostitution and other illegal activities in their GDP often have robust legal and regulatory frameworks to address these sectors. For instance, in the Netherlands, where prostitution is legal and regulated, its inclusion in GDP aligns with national policy. In contrast, Nigeria’s inclusion of prostitution and drug peddling occurs in a legal vacuum. These activities remain criminalized, unregulated, and stigmatized, creating a stark dissonance between economic accounting and governance.

Moreover, international examples highlight potential pitfalls. While GDP inclusion may provide a more comprehensive economic picture, it does not necessarily translate to improved policymaking or societal outcomes. For instance, Italy faced criticism for including illegal activities in its GDP, with skeptics questioning the accuracy of data collection and its impact on public perception of crime.

Another critical issue is the reliability of data. How does the NBS intend to measure the economic contributions of illegal activities accurately? Prostitution and drug peddling operate in secrecy, making data collection fraught with challenges. Estimates are likely to rely on assumptions and proxies, raising questions about their accuracy and credibility. Additionally, including such activities in GDP calculations could incentivize further illicit behavior, as individuals and groups may exploit the statistical acknowledgment for personal gain.

The NBS argues that rebasing GDP to include hidden activities provides a more accurate reflection of the economy, aiding policymaking and attracting investment. However, the inclusion of illegal activities could have unintended consequences. Policymakers may face pressure to address the economic significance of these sectors, potentially diverting attention from formal sector development.

Furthermore, the move risks alienating foreign investors with strict ethical guidelines. Companies and institutions may hesitate to engage with a country that economically recognizes illegal activities, fearing reputational risks. This could undermine the very goal of enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Rather than focusing on the economic contributions of prostitution and other illegal activities, Nigeria must prioritize addressing the underlying factors that drive their proliferation. This requires investments in education, job creation, social welfare, and gender equality. By tackling poverty, unemployment, and inequality, the government can reduce reliance on illicit activities and foster a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Additionally, the inclusion of illegal activities in GDP calculations should be accompanied by a robust public discourse. Citizens, policymakers, and civil society must engage in open discussions about the ethical, social, and economic implications of this decision. Transparency in data collection and reporting processes is essential to maintain public trust and avoid misinterpretation.

Without a doubt, the NBS’s decision to include prostitution and other illegal activities in GDP calculations highlights the complexities of modern economic accounting. While it aligns with international best practices, it also raises profound ethical and social questions. As Nigeria navigates this uncharted territory, it must ensure that economic pragmatism does not overshadow moral and societal values. The government must strike a delicate balance between recognizing economic realities and upholding the principles that define the nation’s identity.

In the end, the real measure of a nation’s progress lies not in its GDP figures but in the well-being, dignity, and opportunities afforded to its citizens. Nigeria must focus on building an economy that reflects the best of its people, not merely the sum of their struggles and compromises.

Isaac Asabor

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7 Responses

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    consistency.
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    actions care for them, and that abs are made in the kitchen. They
    develop larger and stronger, and if you want stand-out abdominals, treat them
    like the the rest of your muscles and work them onerous. Apart From,
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    Many bodybuilders switch to a lot lighter weights and only do high-rep units when starting
    their minimize. Protein is essential for constructing and
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    On non-training days he should reduce this by 200 to three,822.

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    References:

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  2. Most folks will let you know to modify exercise to
    extend your Bench Press. To do Pushups, Dumbbell Bench, Shut Grip Bench Press,
    Dips and so forth. Whereas those workout routines will
    strengthen the muscular tissues you utilize on the Bench Press, they
    don’t practice the movement. It’s like trying to turn into higher at violin by taking half in guitar.
    It doesn’t matter if they’re both string instruments.
    Pushups are a fantastic exercise however they’re not an alternative to
    a heavy Bench Press. You can’t use a dip belt like on Dips and Pullups.

    You won’t be succesful of raise as much weight, but it’s also a bit simpler on your shoulders because your arms
    aren’t fixed on a straight barbell. At no level should you battle through shoulder ache on this train.
    If you find that your shoulder hurts, first try correcting the errors above and ensure you’re
    setting your shoulders by pulling them down and again. If this doesn’t work, then lower the
    incline of the bench until you find a urgent position that’s comfy.

    As such, the bench press is considered the ultimate upper physique train. Your wrists
    will stay straight if you grip the bar accurately.

    They won’t bend back as a outcome of the bar will rest
    instantly over your forearm bones. It may also make the weight
    easier to Bench. The power transfer out of your chest, shoulders and
    triceps muscular tissues into you forearms and bar is greater.

    Do two sets of 5 with the bar then add weight on every set
    till you reach your work weight. Use the warmup sets to apply proper Bench Press form
    and warmup your muscle tissue. You’ll make much less errors in your heavy sets, and
    hurt your self. Take your time to warmup properly and you’ll improve your Bench Press.
    Lower reps of five additionally works for building muscle.

    Right Here are a number of other things needed
    for good kind. The key’s to start every rep on the high like your regular Bench Press.
    Don’t begin with the bar in your chest like on the
    Overhead Press. Correct type on the Bench Press begins with the bar on the top.

    But no person can do it eternally or we’d all Bench Press 500kg.
    Everyone plateaus eventually by missing reps. The finest approach to
    break plateaus is to not hit them within the first place.

    Smaller increments delay plateaus by slowing your development.

    Not sustaining a 45-degree angle can put extra stress on your elbows.
    Moreover, it will trigger this train to lose efficiency and
    not goal the athlete’s pectoral and chest muscular tissues.

    Your elbows ought to be instantly below your wrists as you put together to lower the dumbbells.

    Maintaining your elbows and wrists in alignment will keep
    your shoulders in the correct position. The thing is that you just don’t wish to press the barbell immediately
    straight and upward in a strict vertical bar path. This unhealthy bar path will strain and stress the front
    delt.
    If you’ve ever talked to someone about health earlier than or
    walked by way of a health club, you most likely have
    heard this query lots of of instances. Monday’s are universally generally recognized as “chest day”
    as a end result of it is probably the most generally labored muscle group.
    You can play around with the close and wide grip as properly to shift emphasis more out of your triceps to
    your chest. One Other cause why dumbbells are nice is that they allow for a
    fair higher vary of motion, which is part of the rationale
    why they have such great muscle activation.
    The bench press can also be great for improving bone density.
    This may be important for ladies as they age, especially if
    they’re concerned about osteoporosis. These are the muscular tissues you have to get up off the bottom, lift issues overhead, and throw
    issues. Before you start, pull your shoulder blades down and collectively, and hold them
    as tight as you’ll find a way to all through the entire
    exercise. Dumbbell presses can also enhance the overall power, power, and
    pace of many kinds of athletes.
    For some people, it’s a fantastic, effective movement at rising the chest
    and the general higher physique musculature. Whereas for others,
    it’s simply not one of the best exercise for their construction. This is very for the reason that barbell forces you into a fixed hand position. The incline dumbbell chest
    press is an upper-body exercise, primarily engaging the chest, entrance deltoids, and triceps.
    It’s worthwhile to include in your exercise program, because it provides development for well-balanced chest and shoulder
    musculature. Before you start, select lighter weights
    than you typically use for a flat dumbbell bench press.

    If you’re unsure about the weight, begin with lighter
    dumbbells and slowly progress until you are feeling a problem however can full the movement with the right form.

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    Some powerlifters do that to Bench Press heavier weights.
    Some additionally think about overarching dishonest as a
    outcome of it decreases the range of movement an extreme quantity of.
    You’ll lose upper-back tightness, your chest will collapse and your hands shall be higher.

    Sitting on the bench, grip the dumbbells and lie down. With arms
    prolonged in order that the weights are over
    the chest, interact the core and squeeze the scapulas together
    for stability. Slowly lower the weights in a smooth, controlled movement till
    the elbows attain 45-degree angles. Press the weights back up
    without touching them at the high. If you feel a bench press more in your arms than in your chest,
    you are in all probability using too narrow of a grip.
    To guarantee proper chest activation and maximum dimension features with bench presses, widen your grip slightly
    to help interact your chest.
    Smaller inclines, nearer to 30 degrees, activate the
    chest extra. Not Like the normal flat bench dumbbell press, the inclined position adjusts the
    muscle engagement to the upper pectoral muscle tissue
    and front deltoid muscle tissue. This provides extra muscle
    progress in the upper chest with correct form.
    This makes the bar path longer and the burden tougher to bench.
    Keep you again tight, chest up and shoulders back. Squeeze your shoulder-blades earlier
    than you unrack the load. Ask for a hand off so you
    don’t lose tightness.
    That’s additionally why Squatting 140kg/300lb is easier than Benching the same
    weight. Overlook about this tip if you’re new at Bench
    Pressing. Beginners shouldn’t hold their breath for reps.

    They can’t anyway.
    If you miss the uprights, your elbows might be bent in a
    pullover-like position. You’ll wrestle to hold the bar,
    could drop it in your face and die. All The Time lockout the bar over
    you shoulders first. Then move the bar back towards the Power Rack.

    Don’t maintain them bent to maintain pressure or really feel your
    muscle tissue extra. You may drop the bar on your face and die.

    The incline dumbbell press is best for higher chest progress, whereas the flat dumbbell press primarily works the middle and decrease chest.
    Embody each incline and flat dumbbell presses in your workout split to hit all areas
    of the chest. The frequency with which you carry out the incline dumbbell press will depend
    in your fitness objectives and total exercise routine.
    As a general rule, we suggest training the incline
    dumbbell press a couple of times per week for muscle hypertrophy.

    The only time a seated dumbbell press is harmful is that if carried
    out incorrectly. Finishing any exercise with improper form
    may be harmful, however it’s particularly dangerous if weights are concerned.

    These muscle teams are in the shoulders, chest,
    and back areas. They are every strengthened by the weight and resistance of the workout itself.

    You can target it by benching decline however the range
    of movement is short as a result of your arms are incline
    and close to your torso. Just improve your Bench Press and your decrease chest will
    develop. Worst case add Dips to target your lower chest.
    Two, you can’t rotate the bar an excessive quantity of to unrack it.
    But rotate too little and the hooks will hit the pins on good reps.
    Even when you get it proper, rotating your palms to unrack will mess together with your Bench grip.

    References:

    Beginner Steroids, Ploug-Powell-3.Technetbloggers.De,

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