Shifting Perspectives: Navigating Nigeria’s Economic Realities
While researching, reading, and writing about topics related to SMEs and Startups and their relationship with the Nigerian economy, it becomes crucial to adopt a dual perspective. Not only is it necessary to understand the intricacies from both sides, but it is also imperative to meticulously document every thought and bias concerning the researched topic.
This particular process has involved various iterations and reflections on the ideas and notes I’ve compiled, especially delving into the dynamics between businesses and the government’s role in either fostering their growth or hindering their progress. Along this path, I’ve grappled with internal conflicts, realizing that those deeply immersed in the business world likely confront even more formidable challenges and internal struggles.
As Nigerians, we tend to view our economic challenges as unique and special, yet it’s important to recognize that most developed economies have faced analogous situations. What set them apart was their determination to overcome these challenges and establish functional systems. Even if these systems aren’t flawless, they function to a significant extent, allowing for continuous improvement.
It’s regrettable that we often hasten to highlight the flaws and issues in other countries, using them as benchmarks for Nigeria or accepting these problems as unavoidable. Many fail to acknowledge that numerous nations actively work day and night to address issues that drain their economies. Meanwhile, we engage in debates over trivial matters rather than taking decisive action.
When I mention taking action, it’s essential to emphasize that as citizens, we have responsibilities, but this doesn’t absolve the government of its duties. We should draw inspiration from developed nations that have confronted similar challenges, or, better yet, the government should learn from their approaches and replicate successful methods. This should be a collective effort for what is right, standing against destructive forces that aim to harm the nation.
The critical question arises: How can the government effectively combat the very mob it appears to be? Is it a genuine fight against wrongdoing, or is it perhaps a case of State Capture? It prompts us to reconsider if the government is truly opposing what we perceive as wrong, or if, in reality, it is part of the problem we think we are fighting against.
This is the second post of my journey to 96 Medium Posts this year. This is more of a realization that things are not as they seem in the nation. Now, this does not imply that I had no idea of this before, the issue was that I did not understand to what extent it had got to. I’ll still move forward with dropping the article I have, on the issues with doing business in Nigeria, and theoretical solutions to the ever present dilemma we face with the Unions and government agencies.
