December 17, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has been advised to consider adopting home-based policies and strategies for possible solutions in growing national development.
Experts in political and economic sectors made the call at the 4th National Colloquium convened by Engineer Zayyanu Tambari Yabo held in Sokoto, with the theme: “Nigeria: In search of an effective political/economic formula for national development”.
In a communiqué made available at the end of the event and signed by the Drafting Committee headed by Engr. Akemokue Lukman, alongside his members; Sammani Idris Kaura and Engr. Abubakar Shehu, Speaker after Speaker reasoned that many of today’s developed countries achieved their economic growth through strategies like tariffs, subsidies and regulations.
They noted that developing countries like Nigeria should have the autonomy to choose policies that best suit their unique economic conditions and developmental stages.
The Experts also called for the inclusion of traditional institutions in all levels of decision-making and implementation of political and economic policies, adding that academic institutions shall be recognised in the National development policies of the country.
For women’s participation in national development, the colloquium also observed the reason why women’s contribution to national development is minimal, saying women are not allowed to be on the table.
It also said lack of clear vision has been identified as the foundational basis for the disjointed mission of development planning in Nigeria.
“Absolute alignment to Western pattern and notion of development. Financial constraint is another factor facing developmental planning successes in Nigeria.”
For Political stability and consistency in Nigeria, the Speakers observed that justice is missing in the entire system, the reason why contemporaries like Malaysia; Indonesia etc. are far ahead of Nigeria.
The Colloquium, however, recommended that intentional efforts should be made to include women at all levels of policy formulation so that they can contribute their own quota.
“There should be continuity in government policies, irrespective of political affiliations. Inclusion of traditional institutions in all levels of decision-making and implementation of political/economic policies.
“Our academic institutions shall be recognised in National development policies. There is a need for a homegrown democratic framework that is necessary for National development.
“Developing countries are encouraged to learn from the historical experiences of developed nations, understanding that the path to economic development is not linear and varies significantly based on a country’s specific context.”
Show quoted text
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
