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By Francis John
In developed countries, developing and implementing new policies or products often involve extensive public input.
This participatory approach ensures that the needs and opinions of the general populace are considered, leading to outcomes that are widely accepted and beneficial to the majority.
Once these outcomes are determined, they are formalized into law by the parliament and the government, creating a democratic and inclusive governance process.
However, the situation in Nigeria presents a stark contrast, with recent decisions such as the abrupt change of the Naira currency and the sudden reversion to the British-initiated National Anthem being made without following due process.
These decisions highlight the lack of strategic stages in policymaking and the detrimental effects of ignoring public input.
Participatory Approach in Developed Countries
In many developed nations, the process of creating new policies or introducing new products is methodical and inclusive.
For instance, the European Union frequently engages in public consultations before enacting new regulations. This approach allows citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders to provide feedback, ensuring that the resulting policies are well-rounded and considerate of diverse viewpoints.
An example of this participatory approach can be seen in the creation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.
The GDPR, which came into effect in 2018, was shaped by extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including the general public, businesses, and civil society organizations. This inclusive process ensured that the regulation addressed the concerns of all parties involved and facilitated smoother implementation across member states (European Commission, 2018).
The Nigerian Scenario: Ignoring Due Process
In contrast, Nigeria’s recent policy decisions have often bypassed these essential stages of public consultation and inclusiveness. The abrupt change of the Naira currency in 2021 is a prime example.
This decision was made without adequate consultation with stakeholders, leading to widespread confusion and economic disruption. The sudden change of the Nigerian National Anthem back to the British-initiated anthem further illustrates this top-down approach.
Such decisions, made without considering the implications for the general populace, often result in significant costs and societal upheaval.
Economic and Social Implications
Changing a national currency or anthem involves substantial costs and logistical challenges. The redesign and printing of new currency notes, for example, require significant financial resources.
In a country already grappling with economic challenges, such as high inflation and unemployment rates, the decision to change the currency adds an unnecessary financial burden.
Additionally, the abrupt policy changes can lead to increased borrowing and debt, further straining the nation’s finances.
Moreover, these undemocratic changes divert focus from addressing immediate and pressing needs. Nigeria is currently facing a myriad of challenges, including frequent strikes, increasing fuel prices, and rising unemployment.
The government’s focus should be on people-centered and oriented projects that alleviate the suffering of the common person, rather than on costly and irrelevant changes.
The Need for Democratic Policy Making
For Nigeria to achieve sustainable development and social stability, it is crucial that the voices of the people are heard and considered in policy making. Democratic policies should be based on comprehensive consultations and reflect the will of the people.
This approach ensures the legitimacy of the policies and fosters an egalitarian society where governance is transparent and inclusive.
Conclusion
The recent policy decisions in Nigeria highlight the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance. By involving the general populace in the decision-making process, the government can ensure that policies are well-rounded, widely accepted, and beneficial to the majority.
As seen in developed countries, strategic stages of public consultation and legislative endorsement are essential for creating effective and democratic policies. Nigeria must adopt these practices to address its immediate needs and ensure long-term stability and growth.
John is executive director of Hope Africa
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