It is no secret that Nigeria has struggled with development and progress in various areas.
From economic growth to infrastructure development, there have been numerous challenges that have hindered the nation’s progress.
However, there is a way for Nigeria to move forward and address these issues: by shining a spotlight on the states and encouraging greater accountability and transparency at the subnational and local levels.
One of the major issues facing Nigeria is a lack of effective governance at the state level. Many states have been plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency, which have had a negative impact on the overall development of the country. In order for Nigeria to move forward, it is crucial that the states take greater responsibility for their actions and are held accountable for their performance.
One way to do this is by encouraging greater transparency and accountability in state governance. This can be achieved through the implementation of measures such as open records laws, which allow citizens to access information about the inner workings of their state government.
It can also be achieved through the use of tools like budget tracking platforms, which allow citizens to see where their tax dollars are being spent and hold their elected officials accountable for any misuse of funds.
In addition to increasing transparency and accountability, it is also important for Nigeria to encourage greater participation from its citizens in the governance of their states. This can be achieved through initiatives such as town hall meetings, community forums, and other opportunities for citizens to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
By giving citizens a greater voice in the governance of their states, the government can ensure that the needs and concerns of the people are addressed, which is crucial for the overall development of the country.
Another way that Nigeria can promote development at the state level is by investing in infrastructure projects. Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the development of any country, as it is the foundation upon which economic growth and prosperity is built. By investing in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and ports, Nigeria can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, while also improving the quality of life for its citizens.
However, it is important that these infrastructure projects are well-planned and well-executed, as there have been instances in the past where corruption and mismanagement have led to the failure of such projects.
By ensuring that these projects are transparent and accountable, Nigeria can ensure that they are successful and contribute to the overall development of the country.
There are also a number of other areas where Nigeria can focus its efforts in order to promote development at the state level. For example, the country can invest in education and training programmes to ensure that its citizens have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s global economy.
It can also focus on promoting economic development by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, who play a vital role in driving innovation and growth.
Overall, it is clear that Nigeria has much work to do in order to address the challenges it faces and promote development at the state level.
However, by shining a spotlight on the states and encouraging greater accountability and transparency, the country can take a crucial step towards a brighter future.
In our considered opinion, there is no better time than this as we approach the general elections.
Sadly, most Nigerians are fixated on the presidency and forget about governors and other tiers of government.
We can safely say that effective governance is practically dead in most states and local governments. The recent National Bureau of Statistics’ report on multi-level poverty in the country, where 63 percent of Nigerians, or 133 million citizens, are classified as poor, is evidence of failure of governance. Unfortunately, the citizens blame the federal government for the incompetence of the subnational governments.
Nigeria can only move forward when we have quality representation at all levels of government. There is only much the president can do alone, no matter their good intentions.
In view of the foregoing, we call on the electorate to elect leaders with integrity and capacity at all levels, especially the states. That is the only way the country can grow and develop into what they desire their country to become.
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