The majority of Nigerians concur that their country is good and can be great. Analyzing data and demographics that suggest the potential grandeur of this state is simple. Most people regret that leadership issues have prevented Nigeria from rising to her full potential as a nation. Therefore, it is still possible to find a sizable horde of optimists all over the nation who are incurably certain that Nigeria will still one day, and very soon, overcome her ailing debilitation to redeem her mandate to her citizens, and her responsibility to the West African region, the African continent, and the global comity of nations.
I include myself among these throngs of hopeless pessimists. And I am more fortunate than most since I have never had the chance to learn about Nigeria at the level of her institutional and judicial systems. Thus, my optimism is more than just wishful thinking.
It is based on the institutional and leadership opportunities I have come across in my years of administrative and reform advocacy work. The history of Nigeria, and specifically the history of her administrative development, contains numerous tales that should be outlined as crucial landmines by which the Nigerian government might guide its current forecasts and future expectations.
Nigeria is where she is now as a result of our repeated failure to take seriously the critical administrative lessons shown by the country’s development since independence. Security, economic, political, and social challenges are still present in our nation. The current scenario is grim, as seen in more houses than ever before, and many people are unable to celebrate.
Yet, there are lots of things to be grateful for in God. There is optimism for a better future and a promise that this year will mark a positive turning point for our nation and its citizens. “We should all be optimistic about the future and hold out hope for the promise that the country’s enormous potential will soon become a reality. Citizens will have true possibilities to realize their lofty goals thanks to it.
In 2023, the nation will be in a state of turmoil, and the former president of the senate implored the populace “not to desist in praying for God’s intervention.” Our nation’s future should be bright, we should anticipate that.
“All Nigerians ought to be more patriotic and united in their efforts to thwart the evil forces positioned against our nation,” he stated. For the sake of harmony, unity, and long-term growth, we should labor.
“I think 2023 offers us a chance to develop our country, and I think we should take it. This year will see elections. The integrity, freedom, calmness, and credibility of the elections should be ensured.
Following some of the factors that will either make or break Nigeria this year is crucial. Many people leap to the conclusion that this year’s country would be defined primarily by the upcoming seventh general elections in this Fourth Republic.
It’s partially accurate. The ongoing constitutional amendment, the economy, and the lingering insecurity are some other factors that are not currently taken into account. The National Population and Housing Census are due to take place in April.
A clear and present danger to the successful conduct of the elections, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, is the deteriorating security, particularly attacks on its infrastructure. In the past three years, arsonists have set a total of 52 INEC offices on fire. What is the purpose of doing this? Maybe it’s to stop or stop electioneering. On May 29, it will appear as though certain unfavorable forces seek to impose a state of emergency and obstruct a peaceful transfer of power.
Although recent political developments in the United States following the 2020 presidential election and Brazil following the October 2022 presidential election raise alarm, it is important to note that both countries’ supporters of incumbent leaders who lost their elections decided to target democratic institutions. This should not be allowed to occur. Unlike Nigeria, where unfavorable political developments are pre-election, those in Brazil and the US mostly occurred after elections.
The National Population and Housing Census are meant to be conducted every ten years, but the country’s political leadership has chosen not to follow this guideline due to financing issues and a lack of political will. Nigeria last conducted a census in 2006, and the next one was slated in 2016 but has now been postponed to April 2023.
Nigerians should give the National Population Commission the benefit of the doubt and believe that, despite previous census controversies, the one planned for this year will produce a credible outcome and be acceptable to all. The National Population Commission promised the very first digital census in 2023. The fact that it will take place after the general elections in 2023 is a wonderful thing.
The administration of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) committed to overseeing the conduct of legitimate and peaceful general elections in 2023 and to conduct a national population and housing census that was originally scheduled for 2022 but had to be moved to April 2023. Few Nigerians are aware that the nation has been conducting censuses for more than a century. The first census was conducted in 1866, and since then they have been conducted sporadically.
It will help the incoming administration with national planning if the NPC is successful in conducting a reliable census. To date, we have relied on sectoral planning estimates from international agencies like UNDP, the World Bank, and UNICEF. Few Nigerians are aware that the NPC is also in charge of keeping records of births and deaths.
This is due to a lack of adequate public education. Given the significant resources being used to carry out the 2023 NPHC, it is predicted that the commission will do better than it did during earlier exercises that were mired in problems over the veracity of reported numbers. Hopefully, the planned exercise will gain more credibility as a result of being digitalized.
It is anticipated that the constitutional amendment process can still be saved and completed if the National Assembly leadership and the president lobby the governors in the proper manner. Because some of the measures already passed by the National Assembly would have an impact on the devolution of power among other things, that will result in the restructuring of Nigeria.
Every other factor we’ve talked about is tied to insecurity. There might not be elections, a census, economic growth, or effective governance until the government at all levels can work together to find a long-lasting solution to this mounting threat. Even if the security and defense budget has significantly improved under the outgoing Buhari administration, the impact is still little.
At Igueben, robbers broke into the train station just last Saturday, January 7, and stole roughly 30 travelers. For their release, they are asking N620m. Security and well-being of citizens shall be the primary aim of government, according to Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. I’m hoping that this will happen in 2023.
In conclusion, it is my opinion that all Nigerians should follow the adage that says ” united we stand, divided we fall” towards achieving a better Nigeria than that of yesterday.
