Former Minister Olusegun Aganga Sounds Alarm on Nigeria’s Stagnation

 –  As Dr. Olu Fasan launches book, calls to action for Nigeria’s transformation

Mary Nnah

Former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s stagnating progress, attributing the country’s woes to poor leadership and a flawed governance structure.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the launch of Dr. Olu Fasan’s book, “In The National Interest: The Road to Nigeria’s Political, Economic and Social Transformation”, yesterday in Lagos, Aganga lamented that Nigeria’s potential remains untapped due to incompetent leadership and a system that prioritizes personal gain over national interest.

Dr. Olu Fasan, a renowned economist, lawyer, and writer, launched his highly anticipated book, “In The National Interest: The Road to Nigeria’s Political, Economic and Social Transformation”, yesterday in Lagos.

The book launch was a momentous occasion, bringing together prominent Nigerians and stakeholders to discuss the country’s challenges and potential solutions.

Aganga pointed out that Nigeria’s problem is not a shortage of competent leaders, but rather a lack of quality political leadership.

“We have outstanding leaders in abundance at home and in the diaspora, some leading international organizations, others holding senior leadership positions in the private sector or the public sphere in foreign countries,” he noted.

However, the political system fails to attract and retain top talent, with many competent individuals being schemed out of positions that could drive national development. 

The former minister emphasized the importance of values-based leadership, stating that Nigeria’s current value deficit is a major obstacle to its development.

He called for a redefinition of public service, stressing that it should be seen as a calling to serve humanity, rather than a means of personal enrichment.

Aganga also highlighted the need for leaders who prioritize the development of human capital, citing the country’s large and growing population as a potential demographic advantage if harnessed correctly. 

Aganga advocated a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s governance structure, suggesting that the current presidential system is too expensive and ineffective.

He proposed a parliamentary system or a hybrid model that incorporates the strengths of both systems. “Nigeria must restructure to achieve its full potential,” he declared, emphasizing that decentralization and structural reform are essential for the country’s future. 

Aganga’s words resonated with the audience, highlighting the urgent need for Nigeria to unlock its potential and become a great and prosperous nation.

As the country grapples with numerous challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, the former minister’s call for visionary leadership and good governance is a timely reminder of the need for collective action towards a better future. 

The reviewer, Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay, described the book “In the National Interest: The Road to Nigeria’s Political, Economic, and Social Transformation” by Dr. Olu Fasan as a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Nigeria’s challenges and potential solutions.

In this 599-page book, Dr. Fasan provides a detailed examination of the country’s history, politics, economy, and social issues, offering profound ideas on the way forward. 

Aigbogu praised the book for its clarity, depth, and insight. According to him, the book is a call to action, urging Nigerians to rise and act in the national interest to create a new Nigeria that is united, stable, and prosperous.

Aigbogun notes that the book is designed to be an easy read for a general audience, making it accessible to students, academicians, policymakers, and researchers.

He recommended the book, stating that it adds to the body of knowledge about Nigeria and provides a roadmap for national renewal and transformation.

Dr. Olu Fasan, author of the thought-provoking book, “In The National Interest: The Road to Nigeria’s Political, Economic and Social Transformation”, revealed that his passion for Nigeria drove him to write the book.

Speaking at the book launch, Dr. Fasan expressed his deep concern about the country’s current state, lamenting that despite Nigeria’s vast potential, the country has failed to live up to expectations.

“Nigeria lacks the real definition of nationhood and another challenge is that Nigeria lacks the real definition of statehood,” Dr. Fasan stated, highlighting the country’s existential crisis. He noted that the Nigeria of the 1960s was better than the Nigeria of today, despite the Civil War, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms and transformation.

Dr. Fasan argues that Nigeria’s problems stem from institutional weaknesses rather than resource constraints.

He advocates for restructuring Nigeria’s political and economic systems, promoting industrialization and private sector development, and tackling corruption and insecurity. The book highlights the need for visionary leadership to drive transformative change and emphasizes the importance of good governance, economic diversification, and social progress.

Dr. Fasan’s book is a call to action, urging Nigerians to rise up and demand better leadership and governance.

He thanked Vanguard Publisher and Sam Amuka, among others, for their support in making the book a reality.

The book launch was a fitting platform for Dr. Fasan to share his insights and perspectives on Nigeria’s challenges and opportunities.

As the country continues to grapple with numerous issues, Dr. Fasan’s book offers a timely and thought-provoking analysis of the country’s problems and potential solutions. 

Overall, “In the National Interest” is a thought-provoking and timely book that offers a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s challenges and potential solutions. Dr. Fasan’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Nigeria’s political economy and exploring ways to transform the country.