AACS Fortnightly
(Mondays)
20th November 2023

From the Chairman’s Desk,

The Policies are Good, The Optics Must be Better

In the last 36 months, AACS has written on simple ways to support the growth of the economy and improve productivity. The global economy has indeed been in doldrums especially with the devastating effects of the Covid global pandemic. The Nigerian economy which is mono and largely a consuming one, had been hit terribly and is still reeling from the aftershock. In the face of continuous economic challenges, the level of discipline and sacrifice by leadership is substantially not enough. In April 2023, AACS set out an economic agenda listing 6 critical policies that the new administration must embark on to start the process of a revamp https://lnkd.in/eiRE9A6S. The policies were largely implemented and it was the right thing to do.

AACS continues to support the agenda listed (Revenue boost, Fuel Subsidy removal, Realignment in Exchange Rate, battling Oil Theft, Infrastructure push, and Security), and despite the short run tough effects on the polity, these policies in the medium to long term will deliver the prosperity we require. However, the critical issue we believe should be adjusted is a more aggressive approach at a social safety net program, and a major tilt in the optics of how leadership leads the sacrifice required of all citizens.

At critical times, expediency trumps being right or correct. The entitlement and benefits of public officers should significantly be moderated to court and retain the support of the masses. The feeling of “we are all in this together” is priceless, and could instigate the sacrifice mentality required at this time to forge a consensus at what needs to be done in the interest of the nation.

The Executive and Legislative arms of the government must champion this crusade as we go into another and perhaps the most consequential fiscal year in the last 64 years of nationhood. Martin Luther King Jr once declared that ‘Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals”. This is very apt now for the Nigerian leaders.

Falil Ayo Abina

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aacs-ng_leadership-sacrifice-economicgrowth-activity-7132261316567658497-lRR2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop