When our ancestors came up with the cool saying that ‘potters wish for clay’, it was not only commendable but also a great achievement. The beauty of this saying is that it will still be relevant in a thousand years. Instead of focusing on accumulating more wealth, the wisdom lies in being frugal and making the most of what we have.
Let’s talk simple economics: economic activities lead to taxation, but taxation without representation is a problem. Governments are primarily focused on generating revenue, which unfortunately leads to poverty for the people. In other words, there is a lack of revenue but an abundance of taxation schemes. Why is this the case? While taxation keeps increasing, revenue assurances are diminishing. It’s like revenue is nowhere to be found, and this is a problem because the state should be a source of revenue, but instead, it is deteriorating.
If we take an objective look, most governments are interested in increasing revenue, while governments that prioritize the well-being of their people seek accountability. People have come to realize that they need to claim their share of the national resources. This shows that Nigeria is in trouble, and until Nigerians accept the fact that the government only serves itself and that certain individuals will always benefit from the government’s generosity, whether they are in power or not, Nigeria will not progress. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s the truth.
We are faced with high crime rates, beggars everywhere, and thriving slave owners. It’s a paradox that we are a wealthy country with a large population of poor people. The situation is tough, and the people are in desperate need of help. But we cannot continue like this. Something has to change. We need to address the invisible forces and the unknown economic calculations that determine our fate. Besides, economic injections do not always dictate the direction of economic flow. Otherwise, inflation would have been controlled worldwide.
Let’s consider this: the Bola Tinubu-led administration justified the removal of fuel subsidy by claiming that it would provide more funds for states to carry out their governance responsibilities. So, one wonders what has happened to governance in a state like Osun, where Governor Ademola Adeleke has been lamenting about a ‘cash crunch’ within a year of taking office, to the extent of suspending foreign trips for top officials. We have to ask, what has been the total allocation to Osun from November 27, 2022, until now, and how much did each beneficiary of the state government-funded foreign trips receive as allowances? The people deserve to know when their situation started deteriorating.
It’s tragic that no one seems interested in how our resources are being spent, not the government officials, nor their friends. That’s why Osun wants investors but refuses to invest in research or other ventures that can generate commerce. Furthermore, the current government is operating without a clear vision or direction. It lacks a policy statement or standpoint, and there is no coordination whatsoever. Aren’t there opportunities in Osun beyond gold mining that can be developed to generate income for the state? The same applies to other parts of the country.
There’s no doubt that we need a new way of thinking. It’s a common belief, and it’s true. God is not going to recreate the world, so it’s up to us to discover and utilize what has already been created. In terms of mineral resources, they were created when the world was formed, with some resources yet to be discovered, or perhaps they will never be discovered by humans before the end of the world. Therefore, it’s a matter of leadership vision. The fact that Nigeria has suffered from bad leadership is not only a terrible situation but also a valid statement. It’s our problem, and it’s a double-edged sword. At the national level, everyone wants to go to the East to refine crude oil. This situation, which brought both wealth and its rejection, along with other challenging battles, is also a double-edged sword.
The real issue is that Nigeria must develop, and for that to happen, different regions of Nigeria must focus on their own development. Let Zamfara think about developing Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole, and the same goes for Akwa Ibom, which should prioritize the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. Until we change our mindset and adopt this approach, the country will continue to face challenges.
Unless we receive solutions from elsewhere or experience a sudden economic boom, Nigeria will go through turbulent times one after another. What we need is a new orientation for the entire country, focusing on purposeful leadership and high expectations from the followership. Leadership needs to be accountable, focused, and responsible. Our challenge as Nigerians is that we cannot afford to be cautious because we lack the knowledge.
As it stands, Nigeria desperately needs goal-oriented and effective leadership. Our leaders need to put their pride aside and make Nigeria work. Promises of a better future for our beloved country are nice to hear, but they need to prioritize actions that will put food on the table for the masses. The government should assess the needs of the people and implement life-saving programs. That’s why the soon-to-be revived National Homegrown School Feeding Programme, led by the Tinubu administration, is a step in the right direction. According to Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, the program aims to provide meals for over 10 million pupils in public schools across the country, ensuring that no child is left behind. She believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.
Lastly, congratulations to Zacch Adedeji on his appointment as Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) by the Senate. It’s undoubtedly a call to duty, as the tasks ahead for Nigeria’s Tax Chief and other officials responsible for the country’s fragile economy are immense. They deserve the support of Nigerians to succeed in their governance role, as tax evaders will see them as enemies, and leniency from the government will only deepen poverty for the people.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!