US Scholar: How Nigeria Can Achieve Structural Reforms

As the search for the best way to address the shortcomings of the country’s federal structure continues, a colloquium moderated by a world renowned United States scholar, Prof. Richard Joseph has said that country must adopt a different approach if it hopes to resolve the contending issues.

Prof. Joseph said that the first thing he feels has been contentious was the use of the word, ‘ restructuring’ which according to him sparks off undue anxiety when it is used.

He said that rather than continue to talk about restructuring, it would better and more receptive if leaders focus on reformswhereprogresscanberecorded on the issues on incremental basis.

“IamsimplysayingthatNigeriahas had a number of meetings over time including the 2014 National conference which brought people together and it is now time to really find out what is the appropriate format because you don’t want to be repeating what you have done before.

“Soyoumustdecidehowtophrase it so that you don’t cause unnecessary anxiety or bring up something no one would want to have a conversation on. The second one I think is that you should consider what is the appropriate format and approach,” he said.

The forum put together by Nextier Capital with assistance from the US embassy in Abuja had as its topic, “Discussion on Nigeria’s Future Development Agenda, Fostering growth and positive change through dialogue.