Palliatives Or Creating Jobs And Enabling Business Environment?

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

In the wake of Nigeria’s economic challenges, the government’s solution has often been to distribute palliatives, a quick fix to an ever-growing problem. While these palliatives offer temporary relief, they raise a more pressing question: Is the federal government truly helping Nigerians by handing them fish, or is it simply fostering dependency by not providing the tools they need to fish for themselves?

During his 2023 presidential campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises to the Nigerian people, particularly the youth, about creating massive job opportunities. He spoke passionately about his plans to reduce unemployment, foster economic growth, and provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. These promises resonated with many Nigerians who were desperate for change and looking for a leader who could deliver a better future.

In various campaign rallies and speeches, Tinubu pledged to create millions of jobs by revamping the agricultural sector, investing in technology, and promoting industrialization. He emphasized the importance of empowering young people, stating that the future of Nigeria depended on the energy, creativity, and resilience of its youth. He assured Nigerians that his administration would focus on job creation, not just through government initiatives but by enabling the private sector to flourish.

For instance, during a campaign stop in Akure, he promised to create 1 million jobs within his first two years in office by boosting the agriculture sector and making it attractive to young people. He also mentioned his plans to establish technology hubs across the country, which would serve as incubators for innovation and job creation. In another rally in Kano, he vowed to tackle unemployment by revitalizing Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, which would, in turn, create jobs and reduce the nation’s dependence on imports.

However, several months into his presidency, Nigerians are yet to see these promises materialize. Instead of creating the millions of jobs he promised, the government has resorted to distributing palliatives, short-term handouts that do little to address the root causes of unemployment and poverty. These palliatives, while providing temporary relief, are not the solution to the deep-seated economic challenges facing the nation.

The analogy of giving fish instead of a fishing hook is more relevant than ever in the Nigerian context. The constant distribution of palliatives is a clear indication of a government that is more focused on immediate appeasement rather than long-term solutions. It is a tactic that may win some goodwill in the short run but does nothing to lift people out of the cycle of poverty.

Imagine if instead of distributing bags of rice, the government invested in large-scale agricultural programs that provided the necessary tools, training, and infrastructure for people to grow their food and sustain their communities. Such an approach would empower Nigerians, giving them the means to be self-reliant rather than dependent on government handouts.

Beyond agriculture, this principle applies to other sectors as well. Considering the energy crisis, why not focus on developing local skills and resources to build sustainable energy solutions rather than relying on temporary measures like fuel subsidies? Or in education, where investment in quality schooling and vocational training would equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a global economy, rather than short-lived scholarship schemes that benefit only a few.

Palliatives are easy. They require less planning and less investment, and they offer immediate results that can be paraded as accomplishments. But they are a Band-Aid solution for a gaping wound. What Nigeria needs is not more palliatives, but a strategic investment in its people’s ability to sustain themselves.

President Tinubu has an opportunity to fulfil the promises he made to the Nigerian people. He can still make good on his commitment to create jobs, empower the youth, and drive economic growth. The focus should be on creating an enabling environment where citizens are equipped with the tools and opportunities to improve their lives. This means investing in education, infrastructure, and industry, building a foundation that will allow Nigerians to fish for themselves, rather than waiting for the next government handout.

In the long run, this approach will not only reduce the burden on the government but also foster a more resilient and self-reliant population. The ultimate goal should be to empower citizens, not pacify them with temporary reliefs. President Tinubu, the time to fulfil your promises is now. Only then can we break the cycle of dependency and truly pave the way for a prosperous Nigeria.