The question was " As an economist, if you were to become the president of the country how would you treat the current hardship in the country ?"
This question had me thinking for hours cause, first of all, I always thought the solution to our economic problems was in the hands of the CBN Governor and the Minister of Finance, so what does the president want to do?
Didn't even want to check any search engine, cause it was a practical question. So, the question is going out to you all. What solution would you administer to the economic problem in this country as the president?
Well, I'm not an economist, but as a public policy analyst, I can tell you that the solution to the kind of situation that we are facing in the country right now boils down to three major strategies that I'm going to implement if I become the president of Nigeria. However, beyond implementing those strategies, I will ensure that I hold my guard in terms of securing any loopholes in the system. I must ensure that I put an eye on everything that would lead to the success of the strategies. To do that, I will ensure that there is a monitoring team employed across all related spheres of disciplines, both at home and abroad.
The monitoring team will not be like the one recently constituted by the president, which includes the SGF, the chief of staff for the president, and governors. I wouldn't do it that way. Instead, I will find experts from different fields, and I will also pick people at the local government level because now it's about grassroots. We're talking about alleviating poverty in the country, so I'm not looking for those at the top echelons of affairs. Rather, I'm looking for people at the grassroots to constitute part of the committee for this program.
Having done that, I will enroll my three strategies. The first one would be the short-term strategy, the second one would be the medium-term strategy, while the last phase would be the long-term strategy.
To roll out all these strategies, I will ensure that the first thing is to put in place is the data of the vulnerable people or the targeted individuals. So, as president, I will review the register of those classified as vulnerable people or less privileged people and ensure that it captures virtually all those in need of those special program benefits. I will also do that with the help of the local government chairpersons to ensure that the poorest of the poor are included in that particular document or data.
My short-term strategy would consist of immediate measures, such as ensuring security in the land while addressing the insecurity issue. Additionally, I will immediately implement strategies to ensure food security in the country. While doing that, I will roll out cash transfers and food assistance programs, ensuring that all processes are accountable, and comprehensive reports are provided by the team responsible. Updates will be provided in real-time.
Secondly, I will ensure that I strengthen the healthcare system to reach all those living in rural areas. This will be done by revisiting the methods and methodologies used to achieve a highly committed and result-oriented healthcare contributory system within society. As we alleviate poverty, we also need to ensure that people are living in conditions that allow them to enjoy the benefits we provide.
Thirdly, I will ensure the implementation of an effective peacebuilding plan within the country through a program I will name "Wazobia." This program will consist of Crusaders who prioritize national interest above personal, religious, or ethnic interests. We will promote what it means to be Nigerian above all else.
Fourthly, I will enhance social safety nets to support vulnerable people, including the elderly, unemployed individuals, people with disabilities (PWD), and those living in extreme poverty.
My midterm strategies will focus on infrastructural development, including roads, rails, housing, energy, water supply, and alternative energy sources. I will promote diversification in our economy by enhancing other sectors such as agriculture, mining, technology, manufacturing, education, and skills development. Fiscal policy reforms will include efforts against indiscipline and corruption, as well as improvements in budgeting and revenue generation.
Lastly, my long-term strategies will include:
1. Investment in research and innovations through technological advancements such as Robotics, AI and Machine Learning.
2. Promotion of good governance and the rule of law to ensure trust between citizens and the government.
3. Implementation of policies to improve ease of doing business.
4. Strengthening the judicial institution to ensure a corruption-free environment across all tiers of government including the federal, state and local governments.
5. Get the people familiar with e-governance and more importantly digital economy which will include the adoption of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies.
