Effective Communication, A Necessity In Addressing National Protests – 8 Fundamental Economic Accomplishments Not Yet Told Articulately
The ongoing protests in Nigeria have highlighted a significant issue: the lack of coordinated communication from government spokespersons.
The discourse surrounding the protests has been inconsistent, ranging from well-reasoned arguments to highly emotional and partisan rhetoric. These discussions often veer into political biases, overshadowing the national importance of the issues at hand.
If I were advising the government, my first recommendation would be to establish clear communication channels by appointing dedicated spokespeople for this issue. This would help ensure that the discussions are objective and focused, moving away from political sentiments.
The government’s communication strategy should emphasize the following key initiatives undertaken by the current administration to address historical governance challenges:
- Local Government Empowerment: this government has fostered a true federal government environment, power is will be decentralized, giving citizens more direct influence over their local leaders and enabling them to hold these leaders accountable for economic and infrastructural development.
- Temporary Removal of Import Tariffs: This measure is designed to immediately reduce the high cost burden of food items as a short-term solution.
- Pilot Execution of the AfCFTA: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to expand market opportunities for Nigeria’s manufacturing and service industries, promoting economic growth and diversification. This initiative positions the organized private sector to coordinate efforts to seize these opportunities and resolve obstacles to competitiveness.
- Passport Issuance and Immigration Bottleneck Removal: landmark and recognized improvement of this process has ensured efficiency and accountability in a government insitution that was seriously flawed.
- Student Loan Scheme: Every Nigerian now has the right and access to education, marking a fundamental shift that lays the groundwork for a strong and productive economy. This scheme, which was previously non-existent, represents a significant step forward.
- Training of Tech Talents: The administration is actively training 3 million tech talents for local and global opportunities, aiming to enhance economic empowerment and position Nigeria as a hub for technological innovation.
- Minimum Wage Increase: The government has more than doubled the minimum wage while simultaneously prioritizing the reduction of citizens’ expenses on essentials such as health, education, and transportation through various measures.
- Social Security: Various ongoing social interventions although hampered by a lack of transparency, in this age of technology. However, government can use this opportunity to demystify and break down these activities so that the public can understand and know how to access them.
Despite these eight specific accomplishments within the year and a host of other well-meaning policy and governance initiatives, government communicators are unable to effectively convey these achievements to the public. Highlighting current accomplishments rather than future promises will encourage public engagement and address many of the protesters’ listed demands.
Coordinated communication is crucial in managing crises, yet it is often overlooked. By prioritizing effective communication, the government can bridge the gap between its actions and public perception, fostering understanding and cooperation in these challenging times.
Author: Akintunde Odeyemi, an investment expert based Lagos, Nigeria
