Nigeria, once revered to be the giant of Africa, had been a nation brimming with potentials, yet it remains perpetually on the cusp of greatness; hindered by a series of mis-steps, poor leadership, and policy inconsistencies. The challenges of the country are deep-seated, ranging from economic instability to insecurity, high unemployment, and very alarming poverty rates.Â
Despite the wealth of resources and the resilience of the citizens, the question looms: when would Nigeria be blessed with a president who has what it takes to revive its ailing economy? When would the country agree on a governmental structure that enables her to harness innate albeit, seemingly elusive potentials?
The answers to these questions are not just about electing a president who has charisma or is popular at the polls, the person who can truly bring about the long-needed economic revival must possess a profound understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic landscape. Such a leader must combine a vision for the future with the experience, pragmatism, and resolve to turn that vision into reality.
The Nigerian economy has not progressed much since the early 1970s. No, we did not gain much from the oil boom of the era, the ill-managed structural adjustment programs of the 1980s, the illogical policies of the 1990s, and the minor reprieves of the early 2000s which became overwhelmed by the very self-destruct structure of governance, the extant laws and the 1999 constitution. No, Nigeria has not performed creditably; successive administrations had promised reforms and development, the results, however, have been mixed, with most of the nation’s wealth concentrated in the hands of precious few with dubious credibility.
The recent years have been particularly tough for ordinary Nigerians. Under the weight of inflation, the devaluation of the naira, and rising unemployment, millions of Nigerians find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty. While administrations often tout their policies to boost agriculture, infrastructure, or manufacturing, the real impact is scarcely felt by those on the ground. For instance, despite large loans from the World Bank and the Peoples’ Republic of China, the performance of the Nigerian economy continues to be a source of concern, with the general population not benefiting much from the advertised funding infusions.
Without a doubt, a president who can truly revive the economy must have a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental problems that plague the nation and the foresight to craft sustainable policies that go beyond political rhetoric.
Nigeria requires more than just a president who makes bold, albeit patently hollow promises that could hardly be supported by quality data, nor intellectual strategies for implementation. The country needs a leader who combines intellect, integrity, and the capacity for decisive action.
The Nigerian economy is a complex web of challenges that range from fluctuating oil prices, an over-reliance on imports, poor infrastructure, and an unproductive agricultural sector. A president must understand these intricacies and must possess the expertise to navigate through them. This president must be a philosopher king; with proficient intellectual prowess, adequate technocratic abilities, and dynamic cognate experience, so as to be sufficiently equipped for the challenges of the country. This leader must prioritize diversification of the economy, empowering sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and agriculture, to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.
The problems facing Nigeria are not new, but fixing them requires a leader with the political, intellectual and moral will to tackle entrenched interests head-on. Corruption, which has long drained the resources of the country, must be tackled from the top down. For years, Nigeria has been plagued by government officials enriching themselves at the expense of the masses. This has been so made possible by the poor constitutional and legal framework that have made it impossible for institutional independence and a strong and robust governmental structure. A president with the courage to implement strong anti-corruption measures, backed by an independent judiciary, will be crucial in curbing the waste and siphoning of public funds.
Populist policies that promise quick fixes have proved to be counter-productive. Nigeria needs a president that understands true and well-planned reforms often requires painful, long-term measures rather than feel-good, short-term solutions. Removing fuel subsidies, for example, may cause temporary hardships but could lead to long-term financial stability if ONLY properly and responsibly managed. Balancing fiscal discipline with social safety nets is essential to protect the most vulnerable during economic transitions.
Decades of under-investment in infrastructure has left Nigeria with poor roads, unreliable power grid, inadequate transportation systems, and worse more; Nigeria has not made significant progress in economic growth and development. A working system that prioritizes rebuilding Nigeria’s infrastructure to change the narratives and unlock the country’s full potential, must be headed by a well-equipped head of government; president or prime minister, and backed by a workable and popularly accepted governmental structure. The ability to attract both local and international investments for infrastructure development, without burdening future generations with unsustainable debts, will be a delicate but necessary balancing act.
Nigeria is a diverse multinational country with multiple ethnic nationalities and regions. The president, or head of government that shall revive the economy, must foster inclusiveness and ensure development policies are evenly spread across the country. For too long, economic policies have favored certain regions or groups while leaving others behind, leading to widespread discontent. The subnational entities (as states) are too weak and almost inconsequential within the current constitutional framework. A leader that can unify the country and promote policies that cater to the needs of all Nigerians, regardless of sub-nationality, religion, or region, shall be a most welcome development.
A major impediment to the growth of the economy of Nigeria is the lack of global competitiveness. The country ranks low in ease of doing business, primarily due to bureaucratic red tape, weak legal frameworks, and corruption.
A system that simplifies processes, enforce the rule of law, and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive will be key to attracting foreign investment. That system must be dependent on independent institutions, and a president that could make these happen, is whom is most needed in Nigeria at this time.
The young population of Nigeria youth represent is a most valuable asset, yet they are grossly underutilized. With a population that is over 60% is below the 30-yr age mark, Nigeria’s future hinges on the ability of its leaders to empower this group. A well-equipped president must focus on youth development through education, vocational training, job creation and leadership identification. Digital innovation and entrepreneurship should be at the heart of this drive, as they offer the potentials to diversify the economy and provide sustainable livelihoods.
Despite the myriads of challenges, Nigeria is not without hope. The country boasts vast natural resources, a large, entrepreneurial population, and immense potential for growth. However, for Nigeria to truly rise, it must elect a leader with a clear, actionable plan for its economic recovery. This leader must be someone who understands that reviving the economy will require difficult decisions, transparency, and a commitment to long-term development over short-term political gains.
The Nigerian people deserve a president that shall prioritize the national interest over personal, party or ethnoreligious interests; a leader that would steer the country out of the economic wilderness and into prosperity.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Nigerians must ask themselves: who among the candidates has the expertise, vision, and integrity to make this dream a reality?
“When shall Nigeria be blessed with good leadership?’’
The constitutional framework and the governance structure are central to the quality of leadership acceptable to a country. Despite the good desires of the citizens, the quality of leadership and governance structures determine the selection of leadership, and type of outcomes. Without fundamental reforms to implement a structure that works, the quality of leadership would always be dependent on the vagaries of a most reprehensible electoral philosophy that hardly reflect the desires of the electorate, and a constitutional framework that undermines the best efforts of the citizens.
READ ALSO: A Chronicle of misgovernance since May 29, 1999 and the quest for deliverance
