What We Learn From The #EndBadGoverbance Protest - FG
In recent weeks, Nigeria witnessed a wave of nationwide protests under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, a movement that has resonated deeply across the country. In response to these demonstrations, Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, acknowledged that the protests have compelled the federal government to pay closer attention to the demands and aspirations of Nigerians.
Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group's National Economic Dialogue titled "Nigeria’s Economic Future: 25 Years of Democracy and Beyond," Bagudu emphasized that the protests have been a significant catalyst for introspection and reform within the government. He attributed the country's current challenges to the missteps of previous administrations while stressing that ongoing efforts are being made to improve Nigeria's economic trajectory.
Bagudu noted that President Bola Tinubu has adopted a forward-looking approach, choosing not to dwell on past mistakes but rather to focus on the task of economic rejuvenation. "We have learned that even the current protests have made us listen more," Bagudu stated. "Whatever we are doing, we have taken the message that we need to do more, we need to do better, and we need to do it in a hurry."
The minister's remarks underscore a broader recognition within the government that the voices of the people must be heeded. The #EndBadGovernance protests, which have been fueled by widespread frustration over economic hardship, corruption, and a perceived lack of accountability, have underscored the urgent need for meaningful reform. The government's acknowledgment of these protests is a step toward addressing the deep-seated issues that have long plagued the nation.
Despite the challenges, Bagudu pointed out that President Tinubu remains committed to steering the economy in a positive direction. He highlighted that the President has deliberately refrained from engaging in a blame game, instead choosing to focus on the future. "President Bola Tinubu has been very reluctant to reflect on the past and blame anybody," Bagudu said. "But the net effect is that despite efforts by previous administrations, especially in the last 25 years, we are not where we want to be."
Bagudu’s reflections are a sobering reminder of the economic realities facing Nigeria. Despite significant strides in certain sectors, such as telecommunications, the country has not achieved the level of economic growth required to meet the needs of its burgeoning population. "So, what do we do? It’s not because of anyone’s failing, but that is our reality," Bagudu remarked. "We have yet to achieve the income per capita that we require, and it’s not for lack of trying; it’s not for lack of successes."
One of the critical points raised by Bagudu is the disconnect between population growth and economic output. Since 1999, Nigeria's population has nearly doubled from 119 million to approximately 230 million. However, oil production, which has traditionally been the backbone of the Nigerian economy, has not kept pace. "Our oil production, for example, was 2.2 million barrels in 1999," Bagudu noted. "Today, rather than doubling in line with our population growth, it has declined to under 1.5 million barrels per day, reflecting cumulative years of underinvestment in the sector."
The minister's comments highlight the structural challenges facing the Nigerian economy. The decline in oil production, coupled with a rapidly growing population, has exacerbated the pressures on the country's resources and infrastructure. This situation underscores the need for a comprehensive and transparent economic strategy that can address these challenges and set Nigeria on a path toward sustainable development.
Bagudu also pointed to the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Chapter 2, which outlines the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. He emphasized the importance of adhering to these principles, which clearly define the country’s political and economic objectives. "Our constitution needs to be more transparent about what we should do," Bagudu said. "Chapter 2 of our Constitution clearly discusses the country’s political objectives and is also very clear about the economic objectives—what kind of economy we want to run."
The minister’s call for transparency and adherence to constitutional principles is particularly relevant in the context of the #EndBadGovernance protests. The movement has called for greater accountability and transparency in government, echoing the constitutional mandate for a just and equitable society.
In conclusion, the recent #EndBadGovernance protests have served as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government. The demonstrations have highlighted the urgency of addressing the country's economic challenges and the need for a more responsive and transparent governance structure. While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, the government's acknowledgment of these issues and its commitment to reform offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its economic landscape, it is imperative that the government not only listens to the voices of its citizens but also takes decisive action to address their concerns. The lessons learned from the #EndBadGovernance protests must be translated into concrete policies and initiatives that can drive the country toward a more prosperous and equitable future
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