A giant in waiting: Warwick students discuss Nigeria’s economic future

Nigeria, a nation widely acclaimed as the giant of Africa, is currently facing its worst economic crisis in a generation, with record-high inflation and food insecurity. Having a heartfelt discussion about the state of the nation provided a form of catharsis for some members of the Nigerian postgraduate community at the University of Warwick.

On 21 June 2024, the African postgraduate community at Warwick organised a symposium on Nigeria’s development. The event provided an opportunity to mark the 40th anniversary of Dr Yakubu Gowon’s doctoral degree.

Dr Gowon, a former Nigerian military general and head of state, obtained a PhD in Political Science at the University of Warwick in 1984. A young and prominent leader, he played several key roles in Nigeria’s development, including presiding over the Nigerian Civil War and uniting the country.

Students discussed economic and political development in Nigeria, the theme being ‘Nigeria reforms: What it means for economy, happiness and social existence’.

A very passionate session of panel discussions allowed students to share their opinions on the country. It began by debating the structure of the Nigerian polity, thoughts led by Olayinka Ajayi, a PhD candidate in Mathematics – and Usman Alabi, a Doctoral candidate in Political Science and International Relations. They stressed the need to increase the productivity of the Nigerian economy by devolving power to the country’s federating states and local governments.

Diversification is also key, being achieved by reducing overreliance on oil revenues and intentionally growing other sectors of the economy

Alabi argued: “There is really no need to blame the centre (federal government) for the woes of my local community if the structural organisation is correct. I need to hold my local council more accountable than I should do the President.”

For economic improvements to transpire, there is the need to give more responsibility to the subnational entities to control their resources and policing. Diversification is also key, being achieved by reducing overreliance on oil revenues and intentionally growing other sectors of the economy like agriculture and electricity infrastructure. Promoting ease of trade with neighbouring countries could also enhance Nigeria’s economic influence.

“Reforms aren’t just for Nigeria. They apply to Zambia, they apply to Africa, and we need our leaders to understand and get them right for us to be a prosperous continent”

Golden Mwinsa, a Zambian doctoral candidate

Nigeria has 36 states and a capital city, Abuja, that are organised into six geopolitical zones. Through legislative reforms, this structure could be harnessed for development by encouraging the states within each zone to work towards common economic goals, massively impacting the country’s economic and social outlook. Some pointed out that this could help tackle insecurity challenges like banditry and stimulate a conducive environment for human capacity development. The role of a more independent and representative national assembly in securing national prosperity needs to be recognised, as the above reforms need to be properly debated and integrated into the Nigerian Constitution.

Through legislative reforms this structure could be harnessed for development by encouraging the states within each zone to work together creating an autonomous sub-national administrative environment towards a common economic goal and in turn play a huge impact in the overall economy and social outlook of the country.

Golden Mwinsa, a doctoral candidate from Zambia, highlighted the need to extend reforms all across Africa: “Reforms aren’t just for Nigeria. They apply to Zambia, they apply to Africa, and we need our leaders to understand and get them right for us to be a prosperous continent.”

Leaders must realise economic security is national security

A special presentation was made virtually by Dr Afeez Shittu, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo in southwestern Nigeria. He talked about his research highlighting the need for greater inclusivity in Nigerian governance, especially for disabled people. Shittu argued that society should find innovative ways to involve disabled people in elections, factoring their needs into our social planning.

“If we start being intentional about the enforcement of small things, it makes the bigger picture clearer. The theme would also resonate even into the structural governance of Nigeria,” Dr Shittu suggested.

Nigeria has all it takes to be great – not just in terms of its size and its natural resources, but also the resilience of its people. Leaders must realise economic security is national security. Although faced with numerous issues, including corruption, insecurity, and tribalism, the economy will always be a rally call for unity. This challenge presents opportunities for great reforms to be made. By addressing the structural governance, and inclusive policies, the Nigerian state can reflect the will of its people and in turn reassert its dominance as a true African giant.