The Politics of Development Strategies in Nigeria Since 1999: An Overview and Reflection of these era’s and counting as opined by the APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa – Written by Nduka Anyanwu, SA- Media to The
APGA National Chairman.
In his view, the National Chairman, All Progressive Grand Alliance – (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa opined that Nigeria, the giant of Africa, has been grappling with the challenges of development since gaining independence in 1960. Despite its vast human and natural resources, the country has struggled to achieve sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the living standards of its citizens. This article provides an overview of the politics of development strategies in Nigeria since 1999, highlighting the successes, failures, and lessons learned.
THE PRE-1999 ERA
Prior to 1999, Nigeria’s development strategies were largely driven by the military, which ruled the country for most of its post-independence history. The military regimes implemented various development plans, including the First National Development Plan (1962-1968) and the Third National Development Plan (1975-1980). However, these plans were often characterized by poor implementation, corruption, and a lack of transparency.
THE 1999-2007 ERA: OBASANJO’S ADMINISTRATION
The return to democratic rule in 1999 marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s development trajectory. President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration (1999-2007) introduced several development initiatives, including the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) and the State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (SEEDS). These initiatives aimed to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve governance. However, the Obasanjo administration’s development strategies were criticized for being overly centralized and failing to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
THE 2007-2010 ERA: YAR’ADUA’S ADMINISTRATION
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration (2007-2010) built on the development initiatives of its predecessor, with a focus on infrastructure development, energy reform, and security. The administration’s Seven-Point Agenda aimed to address the country’s development challenges, but its implementation was hindered by Yar’Adua’s ill health and eventual death in 2010.
THE 2010-2015 ERA: JONATHAN’S ADMINISTRATION
President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration (2010-2015) introduced several development initiatives, including the Transformation Agenda and the National Industrial Revolution Plan. These initiatives aimed to promote economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance human development. However, the administration’s development strategies were criticized for being overly ambitious and failing to address the country’s underlying structural challenges.
THE 2015-2023: BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATION
President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (2015-2023) introduced several development initiatives, including the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP). These initiatives aim to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve human development.
However, the administration’s development strategies have been criticized for being overly focused on infrastructure development and failing to address the country’s underlying structural challenges.
CONCLUSION
Nigeria’s development strategies since 1999 have been characterized by a mix of successes and failures. While the country has made significant progress in areas such as telecommunications and finance, it still faces significant development challenges, including poverty, inequality, and infrastructure deficits. To achieve sustainable development, Nigeria must adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach to development planning, one that takes into account the needs and aspirations of all citizens.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Inclusive Development Planning: Nigeria must adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach to development planning, one that takes into account
the needs and aspirations of all citizens.
2. Structural Reforms: The country must implement structural reforms to address its underlying development challenges, including poverty, inequality, and infrastructure deficits.
3. Investment in Human Capital: Nigeria must invest in human capital, including education, healthcare, and skills development, to build a competitive and productive workforce.
4. Diversification of the Economy: The country must diversify its economy, including investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, to reduce its dependence on oil exports.
Barrister Sly reemphasized that by adopting these recommendations, Nigeria can achieve sustainable development and improve the living standards of its citizens. In our next Article we shall be looking at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s on – going era in the context of ensuring a dramatic change though amidst the challenging issues of the time.
