Impunity, corruption thwarting Nigeria’s growth - Waziri

Nigeria can surpass the Asian Tigers if it tackles impunity and corruption, a federal government delegate at the National Conference Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri has said.

He said Nigerians often looked at other countries achievements such as Malaysia, Singapore, Koreans, America, among others.

He said Nigeria can also adopt their models by developing “through relentless pursuit of education; science and technology as well as sensible, stable economic policies as they build societies firmly anchored on rule of law.”

“Even as they have big men, they have even bigger institutions that have zero tolerance for impunity, be it corruption or our newest and most deadly affliction, religious zealotry and bigotry,” he said.

He said complex problems are best addressed with simple solutions, adding that “let start by respecting our own laws, let us have zero tolerance for impunity. Let us stop celebrating mediocrity and corruption. Let the outcome of our deliberations show that we care for the future of our youth, not just our children.”

He said resource control should be addressed “to bridge the ever- widening economic gulf between our various states and regions.”

He said the “un- planned population explosion, environmental degradation, the huge income inequality and the virtually non- existent middle class is a highly charged explosive for instability.”

He said Nigeria must seek ways to afford better economic opportunities for all.