Has Devt in Nigeria Been Positive in 2017?
Although the present ruling administration promised to make life easier for Nigerians, the current scenario is far from the desired. Also, though fuel scarcity seems to be history now, food prices have refused to come down and the standard of living is ha
* On paper, yes, since the economy grew by 1.4%. Recently no pipelines busts in the Niger Delta, fresh agitations have been curtailed and there is a desire by the Federal Government to look into an increase of the minimum wage. However, the fight against corruption needs to be overhauled and our criminal justice system empowered. Strict adherence to the federal character principle should be respected and enforced by all. More jobs need to be created as well as a more productive private sector. - Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * Negative. - Mrs. Bukky Olajide, Lagos State
* Not at all; there is the suffering of the citizens, where most State Governors cannot pay workers’ salary, poor delivery on the political promises, and various security challenges that have hindered the peace and infrastructural development. Yes, the present government is fighting hard to retrieve some stolen wealth, but they should also work very hard in developing the economy, strengthening the local currency, and introducing social welfare to lessen the pains of the citizens. Now we need economic experts and development policies that will be able to drive us to the desired promise land. - Mr. Michael Adedotun Oke, Founder, Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Abuja
* Did you witness any positive development? - Mr. Tunde Okoli, USA
* No; not only in 2017, but since its inception. The present ruling government can bark, but cannot bite. How many well-investigated rich cases and those found guilty are slammed in prison with their assets confiscated? Which development are we talking about when “corruption is fighting back with full might”? - Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna
* Our economic growth ought to be a source of serious concern. Nigerians are actually suffering. - Ms Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State
* Humanly, development in Nigeria has been positive in 2017. Like it or not, both the rich and the poor have learned something about what life is all about. Despite the poverty being decried, majority have learnt to be contented with what they have. The wastage of resources Nigerians are known for is no more there. In fact, we have all embraced the change agenda! - Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna
* While lot of statistics are been bandied about and citizens are regaled with tales of socioeconomic “improvements”, any development that has not aligned with people’s aspiration for a better living condition remains at best rhetorical concoctions. - Mr. Akin Fadeyi, Lagos State
* We hear things have improved but I see a disconnect between what is being said and reality. Poverty has increased, many more people can’t feed, pay hospital bills or children’s school fees. There is an urgent need to improve the existing environment for businesses to thrive and assist the citizens to access basic quality social services. - Mrs. Augusta Akparanta-Emenogu, Abuja
* There are efforts to stabilise the economy, after the biting period of recession. So, growth is on the positive side, though not noticeable. Development in terms of infrastructure is still heavily on the negative side because the 2017 budget has under-performed. Development is on the negative side. - Mr. Anonymous, Lagos
* For me, it has been positive going by some of the challenges inherited by the present government in 2015. In terms of economic development, some policy measures were taken by government to mitigate the challenges. The recent drop in inflation rate is an indication of positive development in the economy. - Mr. Boniface Kassam, Development Expert, Bauchi State
* It has been grossly negative. Our electricity has been at best epileptic; no thanks to electric generator sellers. It’s been stress, anger, demonstrations, violence etc. Suicide bombings, kidnappings, high cost of living and price of food, smuggling, illegal migration, Fulani herdsmen atrocities, police brutality, religious bigotry, arms proliferation and recently fuel scarcity marred 2017. We must go back to honesty, patriotism, truth, love, unity e.t.c. to get the best. - Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State
* The books point to relative improvement but quality of life of many of our citizens continues to worsen. In the last 11 months the price of commodities and essentials are affordable only in Chief Audu Ogbeh market. The roads plied by Fashola are not as bad, and our universities now rank among the best in the world. - Mr. Ezenwa Nwangwu, Convener, Say No Campaign, Abuja
* Because of the delay in passing of the 20l7 budget, there was no meaningful development that took place in outgoing year. Delay in budget passage always hinders our developmental projects. Let us believe that 20l8 will be a better year in terms of infrastructural development, as the 20l8 budget has already been sent to the National Assembly by PMB for early passage. - Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State
* There are positive developments in terms of the social investment programmes of the federal government, but compared with the need of the country, much more need to be don - Dr. Kole Shettima, MacArthur Foundation, Abuja
* Positive development evaded Nigeria illusively in 2017 and our high hopes were shattered. Corruption by few elites unleashed stress, anger, hunger, pains, violence, sorrow, and even deaths on hapless Nigerians. Unemployment and hunger have also assumed horrible dimensions today. But government tackled security and corruption appreciably well. Greedy oil marketers are at it again with no permanent solution in sight. It’s time to repent and let sleeping dogs lie at least for once. - Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos State * The last 11 months has seen us in a complete standstill; no development at all. No electricity and stupendously bad roads to the eastern side of Nigeria. These are the basic indices for measuring development. If we don’t have improved electricity can small businesses grow and compete globally with those countries where electricity is taken for granted? Cost of transportation continues to escalate as vehicles are maintained at prohibitive costs to be on the road. Potable water is just like a dream to Nigerians. Governments at all levels should wake up to their responsibilities. - Prof. Kate Nwufo, mni, Abuja
* Despite media reports and progress updates by the current administration’s spin doctors, development in Nigeria this year is nothing to write home about. The number of youths empowered by the ruling administration is too negligible to stop those migrating to Europe in search of greener pasture, and the economic initiatives are yet to create any major ripple effect. Worse still, corruption still persists. There is still a long way to go. - Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State