As a development practitioner, how do you view the development process of Nigeria in the last 15 years?
Although significant changes have been made in the nation’s political landscape in the last 15 years which aimed at firmly entrenching democracy in the country; this came with its attendant challenges of corruption, terrorism, unemployment, and insecurity.
It has also come with some gains which include increased economic activities, freedom of choice of political leaders, better system of accountability and freedom of expression and in all of this we should recognise the innovation of Civil Society actors in contributing towards the attainment of MDGs in Nigeria through their advocacy in democratic development, education, even the increase in open discussions.
However, development in Nigeria is still an evolving sector. In the Western world, it is the people in the development sector that push policies that will suit the interest of the masses to the government to implement for the people. NGO is the last hope of the masses, not even the judiciary.
Although significant changes have been made in the nation’s political landscape in the last 15 years which aimed at firmly entrenching democracy in the country; this came with its attendant challenges of corruption, terrorism, unemployment, and insecurity.
It has also come with some gains which include increased economic activities, freedom of choice of political leaders, better system of accountability and freedom of expression and in all of this we should recognise the innovation of Civil Society actors in contributing towards the attainment of MDGs in Nigeria through their advocacy in democratic development, education, even the increase in open discussions.
However, development in Nigeria is still an evolving sector. In the Western world, it is the people in the development sector that push policies that will suit the interest of the masses to the government to implement for the people. NGO is the last hope of the masses, not even the judiciary.
There were some disputes over Nigeria’s level of achievements of the eight goals under the outgone MDGs...to you, were any of those and their targets actually achieved by this country, and which ones?
I would not agree that Nigeria achieved these goals in totality, as a country we are below progress in five MDGs and progress has been less in the other three MDGs. I would rather support that it fared well in its achievement of Goal 2 (Universal Primary Education), Goal 6 (Combat HIV and AIDS, Malaria and other diseases) and Goal 8 (with the entrance of the new administration).
But we can see the situation like this: MDGs were not a total failure. There were some improvements that were made. Now, it is the turn of the SDGs to build on the improvements we had during the MDGs.
I would not agree that Nigeria achieved these goals in totality, as a country we are below progress in five MDGs and progress has been less in the other three MDGs. I would rather support that it fared well in its achievement of Goal 2 (Universal Primary Education), Goal 6 (Combat HIV and AIDS, Malaria and other diseases) and Goal 8 (with the entrance of the new administration).
But we can see the situation like this: MDGs were not a total failure. There were some improvements that were made. Now, it is the turn of the SDGs to build on the improvements we had during the MDGs.
Development should be an all-inclusive process for Nigeria to grow....should it be a top to bottom approach or from the grassroots to the apex of government?
I believe a country like Nigeria does not need a top-bottom or bottom to top approach but a mixture of different approaches of what works for us. Civil society actors have been closing the gaps in engagement. They are going to meet and consolidate.
I believe a country like Nigeria does not need a top-bottom or bottom to top approach but a mixture of different approaches of what works for us. Civil society actors have been closing the gaps in engagement. They are going to meet and consolidate.
What factor/s can readily quicken Nigeria’s development process in this New Year, as the SDGs begin globally?
Government, as signatory to the adoption of the new goals, should be ready to own the process and make it people’s agenda through quick implementation. There should be inclusiveness, awareness about the SDGs as people’s goals, and active participation of CSOs with focused targets, because to me the SDGs are ambitious; 17 goals, 169 targets and over 400 indicators…wow, it is work for the next 15 years across board!
On our part at CSNews Network, we are using our media platform to share information to the policy maker as we have started 17days of #SDGsInfo from January 1 to 17 through our social media platforms @CSNewsroom @DevThisWeek
Government, as signatory to the adoption of the new goals, should be ready to own the process and make it people’s agenda through quick implementation. There should be inclusiveness, awareness about the SDGs as people’s goals, and active participation of CSOs with focused targets, because to me the SDGs are ambitious; 17 goals, 169 targets and over 400 indicators…wow, it is work for the next 15 years across board!
On our part at CSNews Network, we are using our media platform to share information to the policy maker as we have started 17days of #SDGsInfo from January 1 to 17 through our social media platforms @CSNewsroom @DevThisWeek
You were also at Calabar for the regional training on the SDGs organised by the UNMC and OSIWA...what were the three major lessons you learnt from that training?
For some of us Calabar was a refresher media training to the Akwanga training on MDGs which served as foundation in understanding MDGs and really helped in reporting the post-2015 development Agenda. Akwanga gave birth to Civil Society News Network – CSNews which focuses mainly on development reporting.
The West Africa Media Practitioners training was an eye opener for me to see the need to use our medium to create more awareness about SDGs. Takeaway lessons; that SDGs concern us individually, and to intensify our reportage on development issues.
You are starting a development-focused radio programme...can you share some of the unique qualities of the programme and how Nigerians can benefit from it?
Civil Society Weekly is a 30min radio programme to complement our fast growing online news portal www.developmentthisweek.com. CSWeekly is designed to serve as a platform for analysis, report and showcase the activities of the development sector and stakeholders, and other investors.
CSWeekly is produced by CSNews Network which saddles upon itself the responsibility of amplifying the developmental activities of CSOs and NGOs with spot focus on Sustainable Development Goals so as to create a cross cutting breed of creating impact within our society.
Civil Society Weekly is a 30min radio programme to complement our fast growing online news portal www.developmentthisweek.com. CSWeekly is designed to serve as a platform for analysis, report and showcase the activities of the development sector and stakeholders, and other investors.
CSWeekly is produced by CSNews Network which saddles upon itself the responsibility of amplifying the developmental activities of CSOs and NGOs with spot focus on Sustainable Development Goals so as to create a cross cutting breed of creating impact within our society.
In Nigeria, transparency and corruption cannot continue to exist side-by-side...what must be done to subdue corruption so that desired progress and development can occur?
Well, if there’s transparency, in the first place, it will be hard for corruption to gain ground. The present administration has resolved among other things to continue to fight corruption with a strong determination. It is hoped that all Nigerians will be open to support this ideology and then contribute greatly to economic progress by having an active part in promoting positive strategies in nation building.
Well, if there’s transparency, in the first place, it will be hard for corruption to gain ground. The present administration has resolved among other things to continue to fight corruption with a strong determination. It is hoped that all Nigerians will be open to support this ideology and then contribute greatly to economic progress by having an active part in promoting positive strategies in nation building.
Your organisation has worked with the Lagos State government in different capacities....what useful experiences did you garner from such collaboration in terms of development?
Working with Lagos State Government MDAs through DfID-SAVI on Voice and Accountability, DfID-GEMS3 on improving business environment gave me deep insight about the significance of LASG to partner development agencies like UKaid –DfID. It is a multi-stakeholders approach and support across the board. For instance, SAVI project worked closely with Lagos State House of Assembly, Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget, while GEMS3 still works with Lagos State Government to strengthen collection of tariffs and rate at the Local Governments on what to pay, how to pay and who to pay.
Do you know that Lagos State Government have what they called Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2012-2025, which in a way resonate with MDGs framework then and can largely accommodate SDGs? LSDP is to provide overall direction for the growth and development of the State.
Working with Lagos State Government MDAs through DfID-SAVI on Voice and Accountability, DfID-GEMS3 on improving business environment gave me deep insight about the significance of LASG to partner development agencies like UKaid –DfID. It is a multi-stakeholders approach and support across the board. For instance, SAVI project worked closely with Lagos State House of Assembly, Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget, while GEMS3 still works with Lagos State Government to strengthen collection of tariffs and rate at the Local Governments on what to pay, how to pay and who to pay.
Do you know that Lagos State Government have what they called Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2012-2025, which in a way resonate with MDGs framework then and can largely accommodate SDGs? LSDP is to provide overall direction for the growth and development of the State.
Advanced countries apply strict taxation to generate revenue for the benefit of the society....in Nigeria where many citizens avoid paying direct taxes, how can this method be employed for the common good?
Understanding and transparency within the tax sector and when people see what the taxes are being used for is a method that should be employed. Of course, Nigerians still complain about multiple taxation, the fact remains that until government puts the proper tools and manpower on ground, Nigeria would not get it right. The problem attached to taxation is not only a Nigerian problem.
I believe there’s much the present administration can do to encourage Nigerians to pay their tax. The population that is willing to pay tax is happy with the government and they are confident that government will judiciously use the funds available to further the interest of the nation.
Understanding and transparency within the tax sector and when people see what the taxes are being used for is a method that should be employed. Of course, Nigerians still complain about multiple taxation, the fact remains that until government puts the proper tools and manpower on ground, Nigeria would not get it right. The problem attached to taxation is not only a Nigerian problem.
I believe there’s much the present administration can do to encourage Nigerians to pay their tax. The population that is willing to pay tax is happy with the government and they are confident that government will judiciously use the funds available to further the interest of the nation.
While the MDGs had 8 goals, the SDGs have 17 goals and 169 targets...since it is impossible to achieve all simultaneously, which goals or targets would you recommend Nigerian leaders to focus on to ensure rapid development?
Good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, clean energy, decent work and economic growth. However, this is not to imply that the other goals are in any way of lesser importance.
Good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, clean energy, decent work and economic growth. However, this is not to imply that the other goals are in any way of lesser importance.
Under the new SDGs, inequality is one of the major goals and problems facing Nigeria, with a widening disparity between the rich and the poor citizens...how can this gap be bridged successfully?
By encouraging increased philanthropy; where the poor can benefit from the wealth of the rich. But the government must also support the masses by empowering them for the future. For the inequality gap to be filled, government, stakeholders, and other responsible Nigerians must come together to ensure that the common man can successfully satisfy his need in the country he calls his own.
By encouraging increased philanthropy; where the poor can benefit from the wealth of the rich. But the government must also support the masses by empowering them for the future. For the inequality gap to be filled, government, stakeholders, and other responsible Nigerians must come together to ensure that the common man can successfully satisfy his need in the country he calls his own.
The Federal Government is introducing a safety net of N5,000 stipend for unemployed citizens....from your viewpoint; will this help tackle poverty and unemployment successfully in Nigeria?
Let’s hope this will actually see the light of day. It will not help tackle poverty and unemployment. Rather, the government should aim to provide sustainable employment and environment for job creation.
In Nigeria, some self-employed people still view themselves as unemployed. It is up to government officials to evaluate various situations, find ways to deal with fraudsters, and accomplish the N5,000 stipulated stipends. Overall, I see this as a way forward.
Let’s hope this will actually see the light of day. It will not help tackle poverty and unemployment. Rather, the government should aim to provide sustainable employment and environment for job creation.
In Nigeria, some self-employed people still view themselves as unemployed. It is up to government officials to evaluate various situations, find ways to deal with fraudsters, and accomplish the N5,000 stipulated stipends. Overall, I see this as a way forward.
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