25/09/2024
NIGERIA SITUATION IS SOLVABLE
Edoh Ofugocho
Nigeria's struggle with poverty and hunger is heartbreaking, especially when you consider the country's abundance of resources. It's unacceptable that 43% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, and another 25% are vulnerable ¹. The fact that access to food has become a privilege rather than a right is a clear indication that something needs to change.
The current approach of distributing palliatives, such as bags of rice, may provide temporary relief but doesn't address the root causes of poverty. In fact, it can create dependency and undermine dignity. What Nigeria needs is sustainable wealth creation, not handouts.
*Sustainable Solutions*
- _Agricultural Cooperatives_: China's success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty through agricultural cooperatives is an inspiring model ¹. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies to empower rural communities.
- _Investing in Education and Skills_: Developing skills and value chains for commodities can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- _Diversifying the Economy_: Nigeria's over-reliance on oil must end. Diversifying the economy will create new opportunities and reduce vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
*Leadership and Expertise*
Nigeria has talented leaders like Akinwunmi Adesina, President of AfDB, who can assemble teams to tackle these challenges. It's time to tap into this expertise and work towards sustainable solutions.
*Breaking the Cycle of Poverty*
To achieve SDG Goal 2 - Zero Hunger, Nigeria must prioritize:
- _Food Security_: Supporting local farmers and investing in agricultural infrastructure.
- _Economic Empowerment_: Creating jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
- _Good Governance_: Ensuring policies and programs are effective, transparent, and accountable.
The future of Nigeria depends on bold action and a commitment to lifting its people out of poverty. It's time to move beyond palliatives and focus on sustainable solutions that will ensure no Nigerian goes hungry or lives in abject poverty.
