A nation cannot thrive on “donations” alone. As Nigeria confronts yet another economic downturn, the government’s response has been the distribution of palliatives to its citizens; a move that dilutes the original intent of palliatives as emergency relief, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 lockdown.
These measures are intended to provide quick, temporary relief to ease immediate suffering. But are these palliatives truly the solution to Nigeria’s deeper issues, or are they merely distractions from the root causes of our societal challenges?
I argue that palliatives are a short-sighted approach that overlooks the need for lasting solutions. The Nigerian government has repeatedly turned to palliatives as a method of poverty alleviation, whether through cash transfers, food distribution, or temporary subsidies. However, these measures have consistently fallen short of addressing the underlying issues. Instead of creating meaningful change, they serve as short-term fixes that allow the government to temporarily appease the populace while continuing to exploit the nation’s resources.
What Nigeria truly needs is not a series of empty promises or band-aid solutions, but a comprehensive strategy aimed at sustainable development—one that addresses poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits in a meaningful way.
The reliance on palliatives perpetuates a cycle of dependency, where citizens come to expect temporary aid without any real improvement in their circumstances. This approach fails to empower the people or foster self-sufficiency. Instead, it preserves the very conditions it seeks to alleviate, trapping the country in a perpetual state of crisis management.
To break free from this cycle, the government must invest in long-term solutions, such as enhancing education and healthcare systems, building essential infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for job creation.
By focusing on these areas, the government can lay the foundation for sustainable economic development. Furthermore, the government must prioritise good governance and accountability. Corruption has long derailed development efforts in Nigeria, and it is crucial that leaders be held accountable for their actions. The public must also play an active role in the governance process, ensuring that policies are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people.
Palliatives offer only temporary relief and fail to address the deeper issues facing Nigeria. Moving beyond short-term fixes and focusing on strategies that empower citizens and drive sustainable development is essential for achieving lasting progress.
- Faith Obamodi, Veritas University Abuja
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