Baskadia

By: Dr. Bassey Okri (JP)

11th June, 2024

Introduction

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, has long been touted as a land of vast potential. Yet, despite its abundant natural resources and human capital, the country continues to grapple with economic instability, corruption, and inefficient governance. Many Nigerians and observers alike have come to describe the country’s political and economic situation as a kakistocracy a government run by the least qualified and most unscrupulous individuals. This characterization is starkly evident in the country's economic challenges, reckless government spending, lack of a competent economic team, dominance of cabals, and pervasive tribalistic sentiments.

• Economic Challenges and Government Spending

Nigeria's economy has faced significant turbulence over the past decades. Despite being one of the world's largest oil producers, the country has struggled to diversify its economy, leading to over-dependence on oil revenues. This vulnerability became starkly apparent during global oil price crashes, which precipitated economic recessions. The government’s response to these crises has often been marked by reckless spending rather than strategic fiscal management.

For instance, significant portions of the national budget are frequently allocated to recurrent expenditures, such as salaries and allowances of public officials, leaving minimal funds for capital projects that could stimulate economic growth. Additionally, there have been numerous instances of financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds. The widespread perception is that government officials, often unqualified for their positions, are more interested in personal enrichment than in the nation's economic health.

• Lack of a Competent Economic Team

A critical factor exacerbating Nigeria’s economic woes is the apparent absence of a mentally viable economic team. Effective economic management requires knowledgeable and skilled professionals who can devise and implement sound policies. However, in Nigeria, these positions are often filled based on favoritism rather than merit.

The selection of individuals for key economic roles has frequently ignored qualifications and expertise. As a result, policies are often ill-conceived and poorly implemented, leading to further economic instability. The lack of a cohesive and competent economic strategy is evident in the country’s fluctuating inflation rates, high unemployment, and poor foreign investment climate. Without a robust team of economic experts, Nigeria’s economic policies remain reactionary and short-sighted, failing to address the root causes of the country’s financial malaise.

• Cabalistic Dominance and Corruption

One of the most pernicious aspects of Nigeria’s governance is the dominance of powerful cabals—small groups of influential individuals who exert control over political and economic affairs. These cabals often operate behind the scenes, manipulating government decisions to serve their interests rather than those of the broader population.

The influence of cabals perpetuates a culture of corruption and cronyism. Government contracts and positions are awarded not based on merit but on personal connections and loyalty to the cabal. This environment stifles innovation and efficiency, as competent individuals are sidelined in favor of less qualified but more connected persons. The resultant inefficiency and corruption hinder economic growth and exacerbate public disillusionment with the government.

• Tribalistic Sentiments

Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, while a potential strength, has often been a source of division and strife. Tribalistic sentiments have deeply permeated the political landscape, influencing appointments and resource allocation. Political leaders frequently prioritize their ethnic group’s interests over national unity, fostering resentment and competition among different groups.

This tribalism manifests in the selection of public officials, where merit is secondary to ethnic affiliation. Qualified individuals from minority or less favored ethnic groups are overlooked in favor of those who share the ethnicity of the appointing authority. Such practices not only undermine national cohesion but also ensure that many positions are occupied by individuals who lack the requisite skills and qualifications.

• Favoritism Over Meritocracy

The principle of meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded and advanced based on their abilities and achievements, is conspicuously absent in much of Nigeria’s public sector. Favoritism is rife, with government positions and contracts frequently awarded based on personal connections rather than professional competence.

This favoritism is detrimental to effective governance and economic management. Incompetent individuals in key positions fail to perform their duties effectively, leading to poor policy decisions and implementation. Moreover, it demoralizes competent professionals who see little incentive to strive for excellence when advancement depends more on who they know than on what they can do. This discourages talented individuals from entering public service, perpetuating a cycle of inefficiency and underperformance.

• The Way Forward

Addressing the entrenched kakistocracy in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Strengthening Institutions: Establishing and empowering independent institutions that can hold public officials accountable is crucial. Anti-corruption agencies need to be truly independent and equipped to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices without political interference.

2. Promoting Meritocracy: Recruitment and promotion within the public sector should be based strictly on merit. Transparent and competitive selection processes can ensure that the most qualified individuals occupy key positions.

3. Economic Diversification: Reducing dependence on oil and diversifying the economy into sectors like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing can provide more stability and resilience against global economic fluctuations.

4. National Unity and Cohesion: Promoting a sense of national identity that transcends ethnic divisions can foster greater unity. Policies and programs that encourage inter-ethnic collaboration and understanding are essential.

5. Education and Professional Development: Investing in education and continuous professional development can create a pool of skilled professionals who can effectively manage the country’s affairs.

6. Civic Engagement: Encouraging active participation by citizens in the political process can increase accountability. A well-informed and engaged populace is better equipped to demand good governance and hold leaders accountable.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s current state of governance, often described as a kakistocracy, is a significant impediment to its economic development and overall progress. The combination of reckless government spending, lack of a competent economic team, dominance by corrupt cabals, and pervasive tribalism has created an environment where unqualified individuals thrive at the expense of the nation's well-being. To move forward, Nigeria must embrace meritocracy, strengthen its institutions, and foster a sense of national unity. Only then can the country realize its vast potential and provide a better future for its citizens.

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