Because Nigeria is presently in such a dreary situation and economic mess, everyone is looking for whom to blame, right from the ruling administration to the opposition, to concerned bodies, and also to the average citizens. Although someone has to take responsibility for the current mess, analysts believe this country has to move forward in her development process, to revive the economy and save millions of lives. After the blame games, what should be done next, to tackle this recession?
ABIMBOLA AKOSILE
* Every Nigerian is at fault therefore we must be wise, think positive, adjust our lifestyle and do what will make us happy. To be joyful in the mist of challenge is the key to victory.
– Mrs. Moses Adetoun, Ogun State
* I believe soon this mess will be over as PMB is on top of the recession issue to find lasting solution to it. Nigerians should have patience with the government; after all 2019 is general elections and their performances will determine their fate for second term. APC government should sit up for governance rather than giving excuses for 17 months in leadership.
– Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State
* Backward integration with Discipline: My tip is for Nigeria to turn inwards and focus on what we can produce from resources within Nigeria (human & non-human) to first meet our needs and for export. However, as a people we must first curtail our lavish tastes and habits, cut off excesses and be pragmatic. Agriculture is one way to go and Nigerians are already looking in that direction. Harness the resourcefulness of ages 18-45, they are the bedrock of our future successes as a nation. Our young people have shown and developed a knack for technology innovations; we should build on that. All these will work if the public and private sectors form a partnership, with Nigeria’s good as the focus of the partnership.
– Mr. Utibe Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
* In the short term, bring in technocrats and experts to help. There is also the need to take concrete steps to diversify the economy. In the long term, a political solution must be sought by restructuring how the country is being governed and by doing this, the economy will be impacted upon. Our economic problems cannot be isolated from our political problems.
– Mr. Pacer Aderinkomi, Surulere, Lagos State
* Adjust our policies and strategies to suit the prevailing challenge mitigating against Nigeria now. More food must be produced, stored and equitably marketed to the average citizen. Improve on our immigration policies and reforms. Modern trend of events demand that we go back to our drawing board and re-strategise proactively. Nigeria must wake up now.
– Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos
* Unity. Nigeria is a blessed country with abundant human and natural resources. Our problem is that of selfishness, tribalism, ethnicity, religion e.t.c. If these differences are shelved and we can see others as ourselves, then what else, if this will not ensure greater development? We truly need to unite and become the envy of other nations, rather than laughing stock.
– Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna
* Beyond the usual blame game, the federal government must show true signs of leadership in solving the problems of this nation. There is no point in blaming someone for a problem if you cannot fix it yourself. PMB has to walk the talk and deliver answers now; Nigerians are nearly fed up! He needs to jail some sacred cows and listen to what the economic experts in his team are saying, to move the country forward. Also, the president needs to re-jig his cabinet; some of his ministers are not performing to expectations, simple truth.
– Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State
* The major area I want them to solve is the power sector because it would create jobs. Change begins with all of us as citizens of Nigeria. We must hold our political representatives accountable, with crusade against corruption and lawlessness as well as demand for good governance and discipline as a conduct by all.
– Mr. Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Coordinator, CDHR, Aniocha South, Delta State
* Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
– Mr. Ezenwa Chika, Ikeja, Lagos
* The solution of each government is to identify problems or mistakes, proffer solution and never ignore sound advice that will move our country forward from political opponents. Grievances of Nigerians should not be allowed to accumulate; it should be treated at once. The time of apportioning blame, excuses should be seen as now over, for any serious economic team aiming in that direction. We still believe this government can still make the needed change in that direction.
– Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna
* Let some seasoned experts and successful entrepreneurs be invited to a one-week economic retreat to brainstorm on Nigeria’s economic problems and proffer solutions. Let them come up with a report not more than 12 pages to be submitted within one week. Then the President should set up a special economic committee with some of those who can take part in the retreat to be co-opted for implementation. Let them be given massive power backed with resources to turn around the economy within two years.
– Mr. Ore Aderinkomi, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos
* Nigeria must be restructured now; diversify the economy, stop nepotistic agenda and appoint technocrats into the economic team. Until PMB is sincere in his fight against corruption, change will remain a mirage. There is the budget padding scandal which he cried out against before; and also the INEC under PMB is a total failure. Edo poll is an eye-opener to Nigerians. Which way Nigeria?
– Pst. Obinna Osagu, Akure, Ondo State
* Blame games are worst methods to resolve the current cancerous challenges progressively ravaging our socio-economic system and citizenry. We need honesty, unity and de-politicisation of our governance, economy e.t.c. Our policies and strategies must be overhauled and refined now. Research, energy and agriculture need special attention. Mass approach is dangerous, non-proactive and failure-prone; it must be one thing at a time basis for progress. Countries that survived recession previously re-strategised and thus succeeded.
– Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos
THE RESPONSE
Top tip: Change poor policies
Second: Diversify the economy
Third: Prioritise agriculture
Radical tip: Re-jig the cabinet!
Total no of respondents: 13
Male: 10
Female: 3
Highest location: Lagos (7)
Next Week: Has Corruption Level Truly Reduced in Nigeria?
Although the present administration made the fight against corruption one of its cardinal aims in bringing change to governance, many analysts still believe the level of corruption in the country has not really abated. With many high-profile corruption cases yet unsolved; reports of stupendous earnings by former governors turned national assembly members, and accusations of selective anti-corruption war, some believe there are no real yardsticks to show corruption has gone down in Nigeria. Is this true or not? What more can PMB do?
Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (Sept 15 & Monday, Sept 19) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, Sept 22
