Tell Magazine

There are many sectors in Nigeria that would easily qualify for the declaration of a state of emergency. A number of scholars, analysts and professionals across the board have called for such at one time or the other in, for example, the education, health and agriculture sectors, as well as in the area of general infrastructure i.e. roads, water, electricity and transportation. The list is endless.   Undoubtedly, unemployment at different levels, especially among graduates of tertiary institutions, is one other critical area of national life that has reached crisis proportion. In fact, it is quite apposite to ask, which sector has not? If those in power in Abuja and the various government houses in the state capitals understand the enormity of the problem and the urgency it deserves, it does not quite show in their actions and the way they conduct the business of governance. How, for example, did they allow, with their eyes wide open, over 800 companies to fold up in the last one year, according to figures supplied by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN.   At the same time, the federal government especially, very casually, if not mindlessly, cancels agreements and revokes contracts almost routinely, sending signals, very clear ones, to foreign investors that they are not welcome, as the same fate may befall them [see TELL edition 44]. Yet it is a steady inflow of foreign direct investments and public private partnerships along with great incentives that can ultimately translate to the creation of…