NATIONAL INTEREST: A PANACEA FOR DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

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