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By : Banji Alabi
Date: 26 Apr 2025
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Nigerian soldiers.
Where We Are Coming From
Nigeria’s history dates back to the ancient kingdoms and empires that flourished in the various parts that today became Nigeria. From the north to the south, from the east to the west, all these areas were peopled by dynamic settlements that remarkably and successfully proved their existence in both local and external cultural, social, political and economy of the era.
However, the modern nation-state was created by British colonial powers after years of mutual relationship and discovery that the areas, the people and their unique natural resources were key and indispensable to the fortunes and further prosperity of their home countries! In 1914, amalgamating this diverse ethnic nations with distinct cultures, languages, and traditions.
The Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, and other groups were brought together under a single administration, despite their differences. After independence in 1960, Nigeria struggled to find its footing, with military coups, civil war, and authoritarian rule shaping the country’s trajectory. Despite its vast natural resources, Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure have struggled to keep pace with its fast growing population.
Where We Are Now?
Today, Nigeria is a country of over 200 million people, with more than 250 ethnic groups and over 500 languages. While our diversity is a strength, it also presents challenges. The country faces numerous issues, including:
Challenges of Economic limbo: Despite its oil wealth, Nigeria’s economy is plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and lack of diversification.
Security Inhibitions: Boko Haram, banditry, and other security threats have ravaged parts of the country, displacing millions and causing widespread fear.
Infrastructure deficits: Nigeria’s infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and healthcare, is woefully inadequate.
Social inequality: The gap between the rich and the poor is widening, with many Nigerians struggling to access basic necessities like education and healthcare.
The Roadmap to Prosperity and Security:
To overcome these challenges, we propose the following roadmap:
Short-Term Goals (2025-2027)
1. Economic Revitalization:
– Implement policies to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and attract investments.
– Enhance infrastructure development (roads, transportation, energy).
2. Security Reforms:
– Strengthen law enforcement agencies and intelligence services.
– Implement community policing and neighborhood watch programs.
3. Social Welfare:
– Expand social safety nets (cash transfers, food assistance).
– Improve access to healthcare and education.
4. Power Sector: Give us 24hours power supply:
– Invest in power infrastructure, upgrades and expansion.
– Increase power generation capacity to 24hours daily
5. Constitutional Reforms:
– Establish a constitutional review committee to explore true federalism and regional governance.
Mid-Term Goals (2027-2029)
1. True Federalism:
– Implement regional governance structures, allowing states to manage their affairs.
– Grant resource control to regions, enabling them to harness their resources.
2. Regional Development:
– Encourage regional economic development, tailored to each region’s unique strengths.
– Invest in regional infrastructure projects.
3. Power Sector:
– Diversify energy mix (solar, wind, hydroelectric).
– Enhance distribution networks.
Long-Term Goals (2029 to 2031 & beyond )
1. Sustainable Economic Growth:
– Achieve sustainable economic growth through diversified economy.
– Reduce dependence on oil exports.
2. Human Development:
– Improve education and healthcare outcomes.
– Increase access to quality education and skills training.
3. Regional Prosperity:
– Foster regional prosperity through effective governance and resource management.
– Ensure each region develops at its own pace.
Implementation Strategy
1. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage citizens, civil society, and private sector in policy-making.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
3. Capacity Building: Build capacity of government institutions and agencies.
A Call to Action
We, the people of Nigeria, call on our leaders to recognize the potential of regional governance and resource control. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every region can flourish, and every citizen can reach their full potential. It’s time for a new Nigeria, where diversity is celebrated, and regional governance is the key to our prosperity.
• Banji Alabi Esq is a Lagos-based lawyer, real estate developer and chairman -Ondo State Eminent Group.
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