The belief in lofty goals or ideal solutions coupled with a sense of urgency or annoyance at the rate of advancement is known as impatient idealism. Idealists frequently imagine a better future, but when reality falls short of their hopes, they might quickly lose hope.
Patient pragmatism emphasizes a realistic and practical approach to issues, acknowledging that change takes time and frequently necessitates making concessions. Rather than waiting for the ideal solution, pragmatics concentrate on attainable objectives and little steps forward.
This change entails a mindset that emphasizes consistent, realistic efforts and acknowledges the complexity of real-world circumstances, as opposed to one that aims for instantaneous, ideal results.
It would take more than a wave of a magic wand to bring Nigeria’s economy back to health after it nearly collapsed. It is a process that necessitates the use of suitable policy tools and will require time for changes to produce noticeable impacts on general economic growth and open up prospects.
This government has only completed one of the budget cycles it launched and is now entering the second. A reasonable assessment of policy efficacy can only be made after at least three budget cycles. It is upsetting to witness some news and social media depictions vilifying the current administration with self-serving language designed at swaying the naive and those with personal vendettas against the APC leadership.
A significant part of Nigeria’s economic issues is the consumption complex, which is supported by a class of unproductive elites. This group has been conditioned by a national policy that divides earnings from our primary natural resource base—oil.
Many members of this elite class contribute little to the economy’s productive potential, but they work within a framework that fosters a sense of entitlement and the assumption that wealth should be shared among Nigerians.
This entitlement culture has fostered an unproductive environment characterized by ostentatious expenditure and a laissez-faire mentality. Instead of encouraging innovation and production, the emphasis remains on redistribution of oil profits, reinforcing a cycle of dependency.
We cannot continue with an import-dependent economic model that encourages this consumerist mindset. Nigeria must reject complacency and confront the tough economic realities it faces. It is time to shift our thinking and work toward a more prosperous future for our country, supporting a culture of productivity over entitlement and cultivating an economy that lives on various contributions rather than just consumption.
Nigeria must reject complacency and confront the tough economic realities it faces. It is time to shift our perspective and work toward a brighter future for our country.
Baba Isimi, FNIA, an architect, public affairs pundit, and Lead Convener of the National Integration Group, writes from Abuja.
Disclaimer
The opinions and views expressed in this article are solely those of the original author and other contributors. They may not necessarily reflect Neptune Prime’s official policy or opinions.
