NATIONAL
INTEREST: A PANACEA FOR DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
I have learnt that National Interest is the aggregate
of interest of individuals and groups within a given state. It is all that a
nation considers vital for its survival and prosperity. Proximate to this is
protecting and preserving the interest of our citizens within the country and
abroad. National capability on the other hand is described as the ability of a
nation to protect its national integrity which is premised on national
interest. The question to ask is what Nigeria’s national interest is and what
national integrity are we protecting?
Section 19 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which
provides for Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives includes promotion and
protection of National Interest, though it failed to define what it is. One of
the problems of our national integrity may be lack of defined national
interest.
The meaning is therefore left to what any leader who has
interest in such definition gives it. Obasanjo in 1976 defined national
interest of Nigeria as constituting four components-
1. The
creation of suitable political and economic environment in Africa and the world
at large which will facilitate the defense of the territorial integrity of
African states;
2. The
promotion of equality and self-reliance in Africa and the world;
3. Defense
of social justice and human dignity of the Black man; and
4. The
defense and promotion of world peace.
This may account for why Nigeria’s foreign policy is being
referred to as Afrocentric.
However, from the description given earlier, Nigeria’s
national interest should revolve more around the survival and prosperity of
Nigerians, home and abroad than on the continent of Africa and the globe. In
fact, the deeds of Nigeria in foreign relations should strategically center on
Nigerians’ interest. Therefore, Nigeria’s national interest should include
Nigeria’s economic prosperity, social welfare, and protection of the nation’s national
security.
Having a concept of Nigeria’s national interest in
mind, how best can we make it a panacea for national development? It is
congenial to have an understanding of what National development may be
described as. In context, it may include:
1. Economic
growth with a GDP and GDP Per Capita that is physically real to over 70%
Nigerian being able to feed their families, afford education for family members
(children and parents increasing skills), basic health care for the family.
This will be identified by the following:
a.
Revival of the Agricultural sector,
b.
Functional manufacturing sector with uninterrupted
power supply,
c.
Revival of the Mining sector,
d.
Provision of infrastructural facilities and enabling
environment for the SMEs to thrive, and
e.
Nigerians being able to provide up to 70% of products
and services consumed in Nigeria.
2. Education
sector overhaul: Civilisation, technological advancement and innovation flow
towards environments with standard education. The standard of education should
be increased with facilities and equipment adequate and functional;
3. Exalted
national ethics which include selflessness, discipline, integrity, dignity of
labour, ethnic and religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism Section 23
of the Nigerian Constitution (selflessness
and ethic tolerance mine);
4. Security
of the national territory for the safety of Nigerians and foreigners;
5. Adequate
and well equipped health care facilities with skilled staff. Reduction of child
mortality, maternal mortality, containment of malaria and proximate illnesses,
control of the spread of HIV/AIDS, reduction of death from curable diseases and
maintenance of hygienic environment;
6. Regional
harmonization and security with interest in matters of global importance;
7. Safe
recreational and tourist attraction around the country;
8. Practice
of constructive politics that is built around national growth and international
reputation as opposed to political party’s interest or leaders’ gain.
At this point, we will try to relate national interest
to the components of national development described. It is in the interest of
all persons that the components identified should be realised. In other words,
it is in national interest for Nigeria to pursue and ensure the accomplishment
of national development. The benefit of this extends beyond social welfare of
every Nigerian to promoting an image of dignity, trust and opportunity for the
citizens and the country to the international community.
Disregard to national interest is part of what has
kept Nigeria as a developing nation of its current state for over fifty years
of independence even in the midst of abundance of natural and human resources.
President Obama one said, Nigeria is the major hope for real growth in Africa. But
how are we trying to live up to this?
Just as we know of the US that national interest is a
fundamental guide to its domestic policy and foreign relations, it is a
pre-requisite for national development in Nigeria. Every citizen in whose
benefit national interest is must rise to take responsibility for national development.
From a book titled Presidential Leadershiphttp://books.google.com.ng/books?id=myl2AAAAMAAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s, a
survey of the leadership of White House Presidents for George Washington to
Bill Clinton, I observed that the US has attained the height of economic
vibrancy and global political influence through continuous contribution of
every generation of the country till date holding firmly to the watchword:
national interest.
Upholding national interest by the leaders, policy
influencers and makers, institutions, organisations, politicians and citizens
in general is the ultimate guarantee to promote and realise national
development in Nigeria. National interest will demand for contribution,
discipline and sacrifice for us to experience all the components earlier
described. Most assuredly, there will be better life for everyone both citizens
and foreigner to trade, deal or visit us.
In conclusion, national interest should not be an
abstraction but real to be held as a watchword for every citizen and leaders
for the purpose of realizing national development. This is because national
development is in the interest of every Nigerian.
Olusola Akinyemi Esq.
President
Joseph Initiative Ltd/Gte
olusola.akins@gmail.com
08077726199
