By Sam Igwe
Here are 10 public policy ideas that can be implemented within the term of the current administration using the same levels of annual government expenditure from previous administrations.
Implementation will require fortitude and a resolute will, which hopefully is in ample supply in the present administration. The results will be worth more than the effort.
The 10 Ideas in order of importance:
No.1 Collect Data, and share it. Do a proper Census:
Working without data is like working in the dark, its almost impossible to succeed. Switch the lights on. Our suspicious elite need to understand that everybody on all sides needs access to accurate data to achieve anything, there is no point hiding some data from everybody. An inescapable fact is that a proper Census must be the foundation block for the development of any meaningful political structure and economic program for the country. Do a Census without politics next year.
No.2 Build A National GIS Infrastructure:
A National Land Registry with GIS database and standardised land documentation would open up an incredible revenue source, create new industries, employment and release of capital. It can be done without tampering with existing statutes and sentiments. Categorise and delineate land into zones such as: tribal and communal land; industrial land; agricultural land; residential land etc. This .
No.3 Promote Distributed Power Networks:
This is the opposite of dependence and insistence on a National Grid for electricity generation and distribution. We already know that the installed capacity of private generators in Nigeria is over nine (9) times the power output from the PHCN National Grid. Allow those who can to source their power outside PHCN. Allow entrepreneurs to develop independent power generation and distribution plants from as little as 500Kw to supply captive communities. To support this we need to develop a comprehensive National Natural Gas pipeline Network that can be funded via a liberalised licensing policy. Include also the promotion of the development of mini-grids based on renewable energy sources.
No.4 Build Real Communication Networks:
This is at the heart of Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. We need an integrated national communications and transport network with two main components: Broadband and Rail. Wherever there is a train line there should be a fibre cable.
Broadband Network:
Broadband via Fibre and Satellite. Fixed Wireless radio is unsuitable because the available technology has spectrum limitations and addresses mobile applications. We need broadband for fixed devices in work and living places via optical fibre to the premises backed up by satellite. The Nigcomsat debacle can still be salvaged. The current fibre connectivity to all Universities project is a great starting point, the next step is to make it viable to connect to other places.
Rail Network:
The effort by the last administration to revive rail transportation is commendable though still flawed. Nigeria’s priority should be to establish a railway station (at least) in every state capital and not the current drive to build an airport in every state. Also, the idea of building a new line from Abuja to Kaduna does not make good sense. Rail networks create huge employment and facilitate rapid development of rural areas. This should be the flagship project for this administration.
No.5 Build New Cities:
Following No.4 above, aim to turn 20 connected rural towns into 20 new cities in the next 10 years using half of the money planned to be spent on Abuja alone over the next 10 years.When consultants talk about a housing deficit of 27 million units in Nigeria, some government officials woefully interpret this as a need for more housing estates in Abuja. What we need is to build places for people who have much better use of their time and talents than chasing contracts. These modern cities should be planned for between 100,000-150,000 homes. Government would provide the necessary infrastructure, then development partners would drive the construction and development using funds sourced from subsidised market sources.
No. 6 Stop Exporting Crude Oil:
Revolutionise the petroleum and mining industry by phasing out the exportation of raw natural minerals and promote exportation of finished products. The PIB does not go far enough. Add a supplementary bill for a phased ban on export of crude oil over the next 7 years. Let the traders come and build their refineries and processing plants here in Nigeria for export markets.
No. 7 Start Social Security/National Insurance System:
There can be no argument against a social security system in Nigeria today. Petroleum subsidy is a lopsided form of social security. The important thing to note is that recipients of social security can only spend the money within the economy therefore the money from Social Security will always create a multiplier effect. Software driven Social Security is the most effective form of economic inclusion and political stability we can achieve today in Nigeria. Case study is the Amnesty Program For Militants.
No. 8 Dissolve JAMB:
The system of having one universal admissions authority for all tertiary education in Nigeria has not worked and the last thing we want is to allow Universities create their own independent entry processes. JAMB has given us garbage-in/garbage-out from Universities. Split JAMB into least two new independent examinations and university placement organisations and another body for degree accreditation different and separate from the NUC. These bodies should also regulate admission to the National Open University and other online Universities.
No.9 Create a Research and Innovations Commission:
There seems to be gaps in the process of developing results from research into innovative applications in the Nigerian market. These range from documentation, protection and enforcement of intellectual property, to marketing and funding. A research and innovations commission would have responsibility to address these gaps, monitor research institutions and help ensure an increase in the volume of intellectual output in Nigeria.
No.10 Innovate with Tax Reform:
The dilemma of the current IGR (or internal revenue generation) drive of both state and national governments is that the perception of social responsibility by the tax payer is greatly diminished because corruption inevitably consumes the taxes paid. Innovation can be introduced to use tax obligations as a driver of development. One idea would be to create a tiered colour-coded tax map of the country: Designate certain areas, cities or states as Blue;Green; or White tax zones. Blue Zones pay full Corporation and Income Tax; Green Zones get 50% discounted off; and White Zones pay zero or minimal Corporation and/or minimal Income Tax to the FIRS. For example Lagos as a Blue Zone and Minna as a Green Zone and Gombe as a White Zone.
No.2 Build A National GIS Infrastructure:
A National Land Registry with GIS database and standardised land documentation would open up an incredible revenue source, create new industries, employment and release of capital. It can be done without tampering with existing statutes and sentiments. Categorise and delineate land into zones such as: tribal and communal land; industrial land; agricultural land; residential land etc. This .
No.3 Promote Distributed Power Networks:
This is the opposite of dependence and insistence on a National Grid for electricity generation and distribution. We already know that the installed capacity of private generators in Nigeria is over nine (9) times the power output from the PHCN National Grid. Allow those who can to source their power outside PHCN. Allow entrepreneurs to develop independent power generation and distribution plants from as little as 500Kw to supply captive communities. To support this we need to develop a comprehensive National Natural Gas pipeline Network that can be funded via a liberalised licensing policy. Include also the promotion of the development of mini-grids based on renewable energy sources.
No.4 Build Real Communication Networks:
This is at the heart of Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. We need an integrated national communications and transport network with two main components: Broadband and Rail. Wherever there is a train line there should be a fibre cable.
Broadband Network:
Broadband via Fibre and Satellite. Fixed Wireless radio is unsuitable because the available technology has spectrum limitations and addresses mobile applications. We need broadband for fixed devices in work and living places via optical fibre to the premises backed up by satellite. The Nigcomsat debacle can still be salvaged. The current fibre connectivity to all Universities project is a great starting point, the next step is to make it viable to connect to other places.
Rail Network:
The effort by the last administration to revive rail transportation is commendable though still flawed. Nigeria’s priority should be to establish a railway station (at least) in every state capital and not the current drive to build an airport in every state. Also, the idea of building a new line from Abuja to Kaduna does not make good sense. Rail networks create huge employment and facilitate rapid development of rural areas. This should be the flagship project for this administration.
No.5 Build New Cities:
Following No.4 above, aim to turn 20 connected rural towns into 20 new cities in the next 10 years using half of the money planned to be spent on Abuja alone over the next 10 years.When consultants talk about a housing deficit of 27 million units in Nigeria, some government officials woefully interpret this as a need for more housing estates in Abuja. What we need is to build places for people who have much better use of their time and talents than chasing contracts. These modern cities should be planned for between 100,000-150,000 homes. Government would provide the necessary infrastructure, then development partners would drive the construction and development using funds sourced from subsidised market sources.
No. 6 Stop Exporting Crude Oil:
Revolutionise the petroleum and mining industry by phasing out the exportation of raw natural minerals and promote exportation of finished products. The PIB does not go far enough. Add a supplementary bill for a phased ban on export of crude oil over the next 7 years. Let the traders come and build their refineries and processing plants here in Nigeria for export markets.
No. 7 Start Social Security/National Insurance System:
There can be no argument against a social security system in Nigeria today. Petroleum subsidy is a lopsided form of social security. The important thing to note is that recipients of social security can only spend the money within the economy therefore the money from Social Security will always create a multiplier effect. Software driven Social Security is the most effective form of economic inclusion and political stability we can achieve today in Nigeria. Case study is the Amnesty Program For Militants.
No. 8 Dissolve JAMB:
The system of having one universal admissions authority for all tertiary education in Nigeria has not worked and the last thing we want is to allow Universities create their own independent entry processes. JAMB has given us garbage-in/garbage-out from Universities. Split JAMB into least two new independent examinations and university placement organisations and another body for degree accreditation different and separate from the NUC. These bodies should also regulate admission to the National Open University and other online Universities.
No.9 Create a Research and Innovations Commission:
There seems to be gaps in the process of developing results from research into innovative applications in the Nigerian market. These range from documentation, protection and enforcement of intellectual property, to marketing and funding. A research and innovations commission would have responsibility to address these gaps, monitor research institutions and help ensure an increase in the volume of intellectual output in Nigeria.
No.10 Innovate with Tax Reform:
The dilemma of the current IGR (or internal revenue generation) drive of both state and national governments is that the perception of social responsibility by the tax payer is greatly diminished because corruption inevitably consumes the taxes paid. Innovation can be introduced to use tax obligations as a driver of development. One idea would be to create a tiered colour-coded tax map of the country: Designate certain areas, cities or states as Blue;Green; or White tax zones. Blue Zones pay full Corporation and Income Tax; Green Zones get 50% discounted off; and White Zones pay zero or minimal Corporation and/or minimal Income Tax to the FIRS. For example Lagos as a Blue Zone and Minna as a Green Zone and Gombe as a White Zone.
So there it is, a strategy for waking up the slumbering giant.
These are mostly really large infrastructure projects and the obvious questions will be about who will fund. The simple answer is that the money stolen from the public purse in the last 40 years is still available in Nigeria. The generation of people who took the money are very much around. That money will fund this.
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