Post COVID-19 Changes Nigeria Must Make

The COVID-19 pandemic is obviously a harbinger of global changes, meaning that for many developing nations certain conditions must be done away with, so as to adjust into the global network. What was known as globalisation some years ago called for some rapid transition on the part of developing nations so that no society remains short-changed in current global practices and orientations. Change was the mantra that brought the present APC-led administration into power. The slogan that “change begins with me”, means that some metamorphosis must take place within every individual.
Genuine process of development does not consist in material and visible infrastructure and social amenities, but in qualitative mindset of people. Such mindset, even though invisible, manifests in the quality of thinking and actions resulting therefrom. A society in transition is a society where there is a comprehensive transformation of visible conditions and attitudes by means of invisible but qualitative mental energy.
Therefore, managing a society in transition consists in bringing about a metamorphosis in the environment and mindset of people towards qualitative standard, away from prevailing conditions. Surely, prevailing social conditions in Nigeria cannot be described as ideal, such that we should rejoice and be content. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as a peg, it can be said that there is a need for rapid transition in every sector of life, towards qualitative global standards.
From the health sector to everything else, including managing labour issues, an ideal transition would demand that those who handle public institutions should explore some paradigm shift. Many people get scripted in old and regular ways of doing things that they ignore the fact that changes and prevailing circumstances call for a paradigm shift or the application of personal discretion. Known as hermeneutic theory in the management of transition and changes, the use of personal discretion, away from what regulations say, is an acceptable and noble practice. It demands of a chief executive to come down from the “high horse” and see what prevails on the ground; as things affect the masses.
Many people rarely live up their full potential both in terms of their personal lives and what they contribute to the larger society because of restrictions coming from “regulations”. Given a free hand, there are many insignificant people in society who can do great and unique things for the good of humanity, but they are held back by regulations and customs. We would rather spend N400, 000 to treat a COVID-19 patient than consider the possibility of available herbs serving such purpose.
To be able to address the jinx of breaking away from the shackles of fixed regulations and mindset boxed in traditions and customs, some drastic transitional measures are called for. The success of many forward-moving nations, including China, is the ability to by-pass obsolete rules, regulations, traditions and norms which hold little or no validity in the light of present experiences. Similarly, the long-held mindset of looking at the outward appearance of a messenger before considering whether or not to examine the message that he bears, has been responsible for many human losses. Dr Joseph Abalaka who was embarrassed in Nigeria by his professional colleagues was received gladly somewhere, such that his “concoction” is helping many people somewhere else.
In the university system with which one is acquainted, one finds that ego and conceit count as shackles holding back rapid transition. Anybody who comes to know would not find it hard to know that possession of certificates is a different thing from distilled personal experience borne of practical exposures and committed service delivery. But we are still deceived by ornaments. Obstacles standing in the way of redressing many anomalies in Nigeria would arise from minds held fast by the iron grips of ego, conceit; long-held belief system and many other unreasonable regulations, practices and privileges entrenched in society.
Among such unreasonable regulations, practices and privileges are patronage and sinecure system whereby some idlers and over-pampered persons are being paid huge amounts of money for giving no commensurate services. Many countries which gave undue and unmerited rights and privileges, including preferment, to some people, did not get on well till such abuses were abolished.
Every country, and at all times, often had this issue of unmerited privileges to some people and pressure groups. Unfortunately such anomalies, when not eliminated early, often grow into a “standing army” of influence peddlers or cabal who become retrogressive forces in society. When some groups of such “standing army” are close to authorities holding constitutional power, they can become a nuisance to society, hard to dislodge. In a similar way, some labour, professional or business bodies can hold a society to ransom when they become too powerful. In Nigeria, the association of cattle breeders known as Miyetti Allah appears to be using cattle as bulldozers in economic power game, with impunity.
A society in transition is usually characterized by hurry to the extent that quality control becomes compromised and discipline undermined. Examples of irresponsible service delivery include electricity supply that is unpredictable and a taxation system easy to evade. What we call corruption is not usually associated with financial activities and malpractices, but more often a social system that is unreliable and capable of making people to resort to self-help when there are loopholes and weak implementations.
A part of social transition includes changes in the economy whereby the state becomes less of an employer of labour, but more of a reliable regulatory instrument.
What is holding Nigeria back from rapid economic take-off results largely from our emphasis on academic learning process, coupled with a corrupt system which makes credit facilities difficult. There is hardly any way that rapid social transition can take place when loans and credit facilities are tied to political patronage or made difficult by corrupt practices. There is a need to unbundle Nigerian youths from the stronghold of politicians who lure many of them into wrong activities, including brigandage.
Leadership has a strong role to play in the process of social transformation, although part of the sacrifices needed for the purpose would be hard for Nigerian politicians to make. Apart from exemplary leadership which would inspire and encourage the masses, the cost of governance in Nigeria is high and needs to be cut down drastically. A situation where those who are meant to manage the resources of the nation judiciously can engage in lavish spending and consumption, the masses would hardly be encouraged.
A situation where some little benefits meant to flow to the masses are cornered and shared secretly by politicians who are by no means poor, is a situation which calls for a change of such mindset. From award of scholarship, to palliative measures under COVID-19 pandemic, there have been allegations and gossips about politicians taking and snatching away “milk” meant for babies. There have been allegations and gossips about contracts being reviewed upwards, payments made with alacrity and then the project abandoned. A nation where people rarely think of the consequences of their actions and decisions is a nation whose social transition would be agonizing.
Social transition involves and includes individuals becoming conscious of their personal and social responsibilities, in such a way that by observing their thoughts and actions they can afford to sleep without fear or a troubled conscience. Transition does not happen in the air but within the heart and soul of individuals, with a visible effect in the degree of patriotism on a larger number of the populace. What we observe daily now is a situation where a large number of people feel frustrated and sad, especially over management of public affairs.
Nigerians can be reliable, honest, patriotic and committed to work hard to build the nation, but with bitterness and a low morale, this cannot take place. An effective social transition requires managing affairs so that people are happy and can make sacrifices for the common good of the nation. To boost the drooping morale of Nigerians would need a drastic social change whereby the parasitic nature of the nation’s political economy would change to one of productivity.
If the Nigerian masses can see an honest example of a leader who would cut down 50% of his official and hidden perks and benefits, there would be a rapid social transformation, via the will and zeal of the people. For the moment, a common perception of the masses is that Nigeria would need drastic shaking before a social transition can come about. Managing the Nigerian economy satisfactorily would be a prelude to managing a social transition without stress or surprises.
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

Bright Amirize