Nothing can be compared to succor at interesting moments like the one currently being faced by the world and especially in Nigeria. But we must make bold to say, give us what we earnestly need, which is a direct aid with explicit terms or definition of what form, this aid will be coming in – whether it’s a loan or a free economic aid; if at all that is possible in the life of a business entity like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who is never known for charity.
From hindsight we should be able to tell exact how this money will go, going by our reputation of funds misappropriation/impropriety corruption and the devastating abuses that often follow such free monies. Perhaps IMF has forgotten so many agencies and public office holders are yet to explain how fabulous amount entrusted in them for capital projects got amiss. IMF should understand that a whole lot of companies are disappearing from our shores because of power failure. Recently, the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) boss Mr. Sanusi ordered that our selected local banks who were given over N100 billion by the Federal Government to boost agriculture and food production, but rather chose to stack it in their bank vouch, should return such money immediately. So if we (Nigerians) can’t learn anything/any lesson from it, then an entity like IMF with a compendium of financial experts and its highest discipline of financial prudence should be able to no when and how to aid Nigeria financially.
If truly her readiness to assist Nigeria is in good faith, then, they can as well begin by granting scholarship to some of our leaders, the much desirous “Good Governance and Best Practices” course at Harvard University. And back home they can set up a financial monitory and implementation team comprising of local and international experts, who man a provision so made or designed by IMF and the Nigerian government to create accessible funds to all manner of investors/business people operating in Nigeria. By doing this, Nigeria will witness a wanton leap in its economic growth from the self-appraised 7% which has no significant reflection on the average Nigerian business man, farmer….
In fact, the much needed Direct Foreign Investment, which can engender economic growth and employment generation will become a thing of the past, if Power alone is fixed. Again what Nigeria need, is free financial aids with strict monitoring of its usage and not another opportunity to give some people more financial freedom to seek for re-election, especially at a time when most of our leaders bother themselves with re-election strategy and frivolity in the face of crises, hunger, economic stagnation and insecurity. Most our politicians need thorough training on leadership, democracy and good governance, and not another opportunity to worsen an already notoriously corrupt score-card.
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