APGA National Chairman Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa routes Nigeria’s Quest for Sustainable Development: Lessons from Asia – Written by Nduka Anyanwu
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of national development, it has become increasingly clear that a paradigm shift is needed to propel the country towards sustainable growth and prosperity. This Article examines the problems of national development in Nigeria, draws lessons from the development experiences of some Asian countries, and outlines viable strategies for engendering sustainable development in Nigeria.
The Problems of National Development in Nigeria
Nigeria’s development challenges are multifaceted and complex. Despite being endowed with vast natural resources, the country has struggled to achieve meaningful economic growth and development. Some of the key challenges facing Nigeria include:
- Inadequate infrastructure
- Corruption and poor governance
- Insecurity and conflict
- Dependence on oil exports
- Limited economic diversification
Lessons from Asia: Models for Nigeria’s Development
The development experiences of some Asian countries offer valuable lessons for Nigeria. These countries, including South
Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, have achieved remarkable economic growth and transformation through strategic planning, innovative policies, and effective governance.
Some key factors that contributed to the success of these Asian countries include:
- Strong leadership and vision
- Investment in human capital and education
- Development of infrastructure and industrialization
- Promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation
- Effective governance and institutions
Viable Strategies for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development
To achieve sustainable development, Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses the country’s development challenges.
Some viable strategies for Nigeria’s sustainable development include:
- Diversification of the economy
- Investment in infrastructure development
- Promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation
- Development of human capital and education
- Strengthening of institutions and governance
- Encouragement of foreign investment and partnership
- Development of a robust and inclusive social protection system
Conclusion
Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development requires a fundamental transformation of the country’s economic, social, and political structures. By drawing lessons from the development experiences of some Asian countries and adopting viable strategies for sustainable development, Nigeria can achieve
meaningful economic growth and transformation. If these options and models are faithfully and judiciously pursued and imbibed, Nigeria will be well-positioned in the global economy in the nearest future. It is a crucial step towards transforming the Nation into a beacon of hope for national and global business and investment destinations. With its focus on industrialization, innovation, and
entrepreneurship, Nigeria is poised for rapid economic growth and development
– Barrister Sly.