By Opatola Victor

In every democratic society, it is crucial  for citizens to engage in critical thinking and thoughtful analysis when evaluating government policies.

Blindly supporting every policy without thorough understanding and consideration can lead to unintended consequences and eventually hinder desired progress.

Nigeria, till today, has not survived the Chicago boys advocated structural adjustment policies of Babangida days.

It is critical to take the time to understand the underlying agendas, organizational influences, and potential theories at play behind government policies.

Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where popular agendas have been pushed without sufficient scrutiny.

It is essential to resist the temptation of jumping on the bandwagon and instead adopt a measured approach. This involves sitting down, analyzing, and re-analyzing the proposed policies, seeking reliable information, and consulting diverse sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.

Relying solely on the analyses presented by hired commentators in blogs, television, or newspapers can be problematic.

These individuals often lack a deep understanding of the real issues or fail to appreciate the multifaceted options and potential dangers associated with a particular policy.

It is imperative to broaden our knowledge base by reading good books, scholarly work, and credible works from multiple sources from different world views and systems  that provide a more nuanced perspective.

To illustrate this point, let’s consider the example of fuel subsidy removal.

While many individuals praised this decision, it is important to question the why, the process and  procedure.

Do you honestly believe the Nigeria Government was doing too much for it’s citizens on pms susbsidy compared to other countries?

Or that some neoliberals and shock therapy advocates advocated the susbsidy removal agenda. While many of our policy  advocates and Government  officials  were not able to see through the alternative and push for a more measured approach.

Corruption has been a major issue within the subsidy system. True subsidy cost was never the problem, the problem lies in the corruption in the system and those who corruptly take advantage of it.

Personally, despite the many shege Nigeria has seen in the hands of shock therapy, it seems to be how favourite nemesis. We keep going back to it.

Government could have adopted a more comprehensive approach that tackles subsidy corruption while ensuring fair and efficient pricing – this would have yielded a better outcome for the country. Especially, where there was no adequate cushion in place, save for the hollow arguement that PMS price will soon reduce due to market forces.

Nigeria is fast delving into a State of non  or very limited government intervention, but which given our low productivity,  poverty and illiteracy rate ought not be so.

Even before now Nigeria is one of the countries with the least citizen welfares by  every indices both by percentage of GDP and per head in prices adjusted for purchasing power parity.

Furthermore, it is crucial to assess government policies beyond the immediate benefits or public perception. Evaluating the impact of policies on citizen welfare, economic indicators, and social well-being is essential. By considering a broad range of factors, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of government policies.

In countries like Nigeria, where citizen welfare is a pressing concern, it becomes even more crucial to thoroughly analyze government policies. It is important to go beyond the euphoria and planted media praises that often surround these policies. Instead, citizens should take the time to critically examine the potential long-term effects, unintended consequences, and the alignment of policies with the broader development goals of the nation.

In conclusion, the need to thoroughly think through government policies before praising them is essential for responsible citizenship.

By analyzing and re-analyzing agendas, seeking diverse perspectives, and avoiding overreliance on biased analyses, citizens can make informed decisions and contribute to the development of well-rounded policies that address the real issues at hand. Taking a thoughtful and critical approach is crucial in ensuring the betterment of society and avoiding pitfalls that can hinder progress.

Opatola Victor is a Legal Practitioner and policy analyst. , adeopatola@gmail.com

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________