“The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land, climate, water, air, or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership”.
Chinua Achebe
By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
It began to seem that the new path of greatness we have taken has come with some inevitable circumstances we cannot avoid, which usually, the growth of a nation comes with that. This fight begins, however, in the heart, when we take charge of our future and take our anger to the ballot boxes. This intimidation came with a mixed feeling, we all voted for our choices, which is believed that the election offers us what we voted for.
There is a custom in the national media’s traditions where the media marks a ruler’s 100 days in office, then his six months in office, then his one year in office, followed by his two years in office, and then the end of his four years in office.
A new government’s first 100 days in office are frequently seen as a crucial time for assessing its performance, establishing the tone for its entire term, and tackling the country’s most pressing problems. An administration’s effectiveness, promises, and vision are typically measured during those days. The acts and policies of a new government must be critically analyzed during this time, even though some may argue that it is too soon to make a final judgment. This is necessary to maintain openness, accountability, and efficient governance. Well, to anyone who knows how things are moving, it is the end that matters on the journey of growth, which always comes with challenges in the race of excellence.
Nigeria, as we are all aware, has the ability to play a significant role in the global economy due to its wealth in both natural and human resources. However, the nation is confronted with significant challenges, such as: Increasing unemployment and underemployment; Inadequate infrastructure and limited access to markets; Investment challenges related to national security; Low skill levels affecting labor productivity; Low capacity utilization of the manufacturing sector as a result of the decline in consumer demand, which has led to the closure of some businesses and increased unemployment; and Inadequate infrastructure and poor market access.
The outlook remains fragile given Nigeria’s high population growth rate and declining GDP per capita. There is an urgent need to implement high-impact initiatives to grow the economy at a GDP average growth rate of 7% per annum in order to achieve a $1 trillion GDP in the next eight years. This was what the Policy Advisory Council came up with. Then at this critical stage, we need to pay attention and assess, which steps is the new government taking to curb the challenges faced.
When we look at the short-term goal (100 Days) in the Economic Reform Road Map the targeted goals were; addressing oil theft and pipeline vandalism and sustainability, announcing the impending elimination of PMS subsidy, Rationalize select government assets, deepening tax collection by restructuring and automating key revenue generating agencies, optimize operating expenditure to reduce cost and leakages, transition to a transparent and unified foreign exchange rate system, resolve the cash shortage situation, establish a coordinating body for fiscal and monetary policy and reform CBN’s operating model.
Assessing whether an administration is progressive within the first 100 days of taking office is a difficult undertaking that demands a thorough analysis. A dedication to social, economic, and political reform aimed at enhancing citizens’ lives and tackling pressing challenges can be characterized as progressivism in government. While it can be difficult to make a final decision in a short amount of time, a preliminary judgment can be reached using a few important signs.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the idea of evaluating a new administration’s first 100 days in office in 1933. During his first 100 days in office, he implemented a number of changes and initiatives to deal with the Great Depression’s economic issues. Since then, the first 100 days have come to represent a government’s capacity for keeping its pledges and addressing urgent problems.
There are a number of things that make this time period significant. First of all, this is a time when the government is anticipated to move quickly and take some bold steps to show its commitment. This will help in demonstrating the government overall competency and flexibility in the face of unforeseen obstacles. Holding the government responsible for its deeds and assurances is crucial, but it’s also critical to understand the limitations and difficulties it might encounter. A thorough evaluation should take into account both accomplishments and deficiencies.
It is important to evaluate a new government in order to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance. Although this time period sheds light on the government’s aims, strategies, and capabilities, it is critical to understand its constraints and the necessity for a more thorough, long-term examination. To guarantee that the evaluation achieves its intended goals of creating better governance and serving the interests of the people, a balanced approach based on objective analysis is essential. A dedication to social, economic, and political reform aimed at enhancing citizens’ lives and tackling pressing challenges can be characterized as progressivism in government.
The government policy program is one of the earliest signs of a progressive government. Some of the policies we see being taken by the government are long-term investments towards nation-building. Yes, we all agree that with the present situation, the country is in a crucial moment, and the citizens have been stretched beyond their elastic limit. Some of the decisions taken during this Horney moon period have been very hard to overcome, prominent among them is the removal of PMS subsidy, which is one of the few things the citizens at the lower level benefit from directly.
Without a doubt, the PMS subsidy will have to go, we all agree with that. But before then, some things need to be put in place to cushion to effect of its removal. Then comes the palliatives, which had already been disbursed to state governments. We need to understand something here, Over the years, we have witnessed how palliatives are being shared in our states and how it always comes with some difficulties, which in the long run end in nuisance. Then how can we prevent this from happening, which has shaped our societies over the years?
the palliative framework designed by President Bola Tinubu-led administration which includes a package for manufacturers, small businesses, and farmers amongst others to ease the hardships faced by Nigerians, caused by the removal of fuel subsidy removal and unification of the exchange rate window which was unveiled, if implemented and seeing the success, it will have a positive impact in the society and the desired goal will be achieved.
The dedication of the government to accountability and openness is another key factor to take into account. A forward-thinking administration should be transparent in its decision-making and answerable to the people. This involves being willing to answer public issues, being open with communication, and being able to obtain government information. A progressive administration should put in place procedures to increase openness and interact with civil society to listen to the people and find a sustainable solution towards their problems.
This is the beginning of the journey towards this new path of renewed hope, we need to exercise patient and help with whatever possible way we can. Someone might say how can he offer a helping hands when he is not at the decision table, but even with a good prayer, you have contributed towards the journey to success.
To sum up, it takes time to begin enjoying some of the policies put in place, but what is expected of the government is to look at the people’s situation, and take the possible action to reduce the rate of hardship people are facing. A lot has happened and is still happening, some of the stories we hear or even pass through have been evident how the situation is getting tougher.
I’m going to leave you with a big question today. A query about identity that requires reflection and resolution. What kind of nation do we want to live in as citizens? We need to look in the mirror to find the answers that can only come from the future we dream. Are we heading in that direction?
