President Tinubu, Give Us A National Development Framework Document Before You Leave Aso Rock

By Festus Ejiroghene FIFEN

In May 2023 when  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Took over the mantle of leadership from the late President Mohammadu Buhari he promised to transform Nigeria making sure all areas of the economy were touched.

For the past Two Years and almost Four Months the Bola Tinubu Administration came on board, a lot has happened in the economy. Some very tough decisions have been executed by this administration.

Though these reforms greeted with mixed feelings have been described by the president as the only option if we must come out of our economic recession, some critics of the government think otherwise. While some Nigerians frown at these reforms, others believe if we must make omelette, we need to break some eggs.

Every administration that is midwifed by a political party designs a blueprint of plans and strategies for the  development of the country often referred to as manifestos.

In contemporary governance, political party manifestos are often touted as the guiding frameworks for national development. These documents outline the policies and promises of political parties, seeking to portray their vision for the nation. However, the growing disenchantment with the implementation of these manifestos raises critical questions about their efficacy in fostering sustainable development.

As countries navigate the complexities of modern governance, the need for a robust National Development Framework Document becomes increasingly evident. As the next election circle draws near in 2027, with some states who belongs to the staggered elcrion circle going to the polls earlier than that , i am compelled to examine the shortcomings of political party manifestos and present a persuasive case for a holistic, long-term National Development Framework that transcends electoral cycles, Political Parties, Ethnic or religious differences and powerful individuals

Over the years, since the return of Democracy, we have had a recurring challenge of either not sighting or understanding Political Party Manifestos.

Political party manifestos which are essentially promotional brochures for political parties aim to communicate a party's vision, policies, and strategies in the lead-up to elections. These documents often characterized by bold promises and aspirational goals,  serve to attract voters and consolidate support from the electorates. However, once the electoral euphoria subsides, adherence to the promises made within these documents are either forgotten or never implemented. The transient nature of political party manifestos is inherently linked to the electoral cycle, where priorities shift with political leadership.

Manifestos are generally reactive rather than proactive,. They  respond to immediate electoral concerns rather than addressing long-term developmental challenges. This leads to a short-term focus that often neglects systemic issues like poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, education reform, and healthcare improvement.

So many political scholars have come up with the Shortcomings of Political Party Manifestos and how it effectively hinders meaningful development if not followed with commitment.

One of their arguments is "Inconsistency and Lack of Follow-Through."  Political party manifestos often suffer from a lack of consistency across electoral cycles. Promises made by one party may be repudiated or ignored by the next, resulting in a political landscape characterized by instability and confusion. This inconsistency undermines public trust in governance and leaves critical development goals unmet.

Secondly, the issues of Fragmentation of Policy Initiatives were also highlighted.
Each political party typically presents its manifesto that reflects its ideological premises, leading to fragmented policy initiatives. This fragmentation can result in duplication of efforts or contradictory policies that hinder effective governance. A national development framework would provide a cohesive strategy that aligns the interests of various stakeholders, fostering collaboration and coherence in policy implementation.

Those that believe that political party Manifestos Lack of Stakeholder Engagement emphasized that Political party manifestos are often drafted without adequate consultation with critical stakeholders, including civil society, business communities, and local governments. Consequently, these documents may overlook the needs and realities of the populace. A National Development Framework, developed through stakeholder engagement, would ensure that policies are relevant and responsive to the needs of the people.

On the other hand, some scholars believe Political Party Manifestos are Populism and Unrealistic Promises, maintaining that to win elections, parties may resort to populist strategies, making grandiose promises that are unrealistic and unfeasible. Once in power, the inability to fulfill these promises can result in disenchantment and apathy among the electorate.

A National Development Framework on the other hand would prioritize realistic, evidence-based planning that accounts for available resources and capacities.

The Case for a National Development Framework Document amongst other things can guarantee
"Strategic Vision and Long-term Planning"
A National Development Framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for societal progress beyond the electoral timeline. It emphasizes long-term strategic planning, enabling governments to set clear objectives that are not subject to the whims of electoral success. This vision encapsulates goals such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, social equity, and technological advancement.

The Framework can also ensure Continuity and Stability of Governance. Unlike political party manifestos, a National Development Framework is less susceptible to the changes in political leadership. It instills continuity in governance, allowing for an uninterrupted pursuit of national goals. This stability fosters investor confidence and bolsters international relations, as stakeholders can rely on a consistent policy environment.

This document if consolidated and implemented, it will bring about "Holistic and Integrated Approach"
A National Development Framework promotes an integrated approach to policy-making, ensuring that various sectors work in harmony towards common objectives. Instead of addressing issues in isolation, the framework recognizes the interdependencies between health, education, infrastructure, and economic development. This holistic perspective fosters comprehensive solutions to complex societal challenges.

Another benefit it will bring is an "Inclusive and Participatory Governance"
Developing a National Development Framework necessitates widespread consultation and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. This participatory approach not only enriches the policymaking process but also strengthens social cohesion by fostering a sense of ownership among citizens. When people feel involved in shaping their future, they are more likely to support and uphold governmental initiatives.

Lastly for this submission, it can also bring about "Evidence-based Policymaking"
A National Development Framework is rooted in empirical evidence, utilizing data to inform policy decisions and evaluate progress. This analytical approach allows for the identification of best practices, imperfections, and areas requiring improvement. By establishing measurable indicators of success, governments can better track their progress towards achieving developmental goals.

Taking a close look at some economies in the World, we see that Countries that have embraced national development frameworks have often reported higher levels of success in achieving their goals. For example, Singapore’s long-term vision, encapsulated in its various national plans, has enabled it to transform from a resource-poor nation to a global economic powerhouse. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates has implemented its Vision 2021, a roadmap aimed at enhancing various sectors while ensuring sustainability and social well-being.

Another pertinent example can be found in European nations that adopted the European Union’s cohesive frameworks for regional development, which fostered collaboration among member states to achieve common goals. These frameworks emphasize balanced economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

As i end this, i want to say that as the global landscape evolves, it is imperative for countries to rethink their approaches to governance and national development. Political party manifestos, while essential during electoral campaigns, fall short of providing a sustainable framework for long-term progress. The call for a National Development Framework Document is not merely a recommendation but a necessity. By emphasizing strategic vision, continuity, inclusivity, and evidence-based policymaking, such a framework can effectively guide nations towards achieving meaningful and lasting development.

If President Tinubu wants to crown all his Reforms in Nigeria and leave his name engraved in Aso Rock and Zuma Rock Including Idanre Hills and Okuno Rock, it will make an economic sense to develop a development framework that supercedes any political party Manifesto. That will be a  lasting legacy to make Nigeria great again. The road ahead for Nigeria as a nation  still have  challenges, but with the right framework in place, Nigeria can navigate these challenges with resilience and foresight. It is time for governments to shift their focus from transient political promises to a comprehensive, strategic approach that prioritizes the welfare of their citizens and the sustainable development of the nation. It is through this paradigm shift that we can cultivate a politically mature society, capable of fostering genuine progress and equity for all.