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Nigeria’s crisis: An opportunity for growth – Udo Okonjo
A CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE: If it’s agreed that Africa’s oil crisis is an opportunity for growth, perhaps your own business or personal life crisis is a perfect opportunity for growth too. For Nigeria, the current economic crisis is an opportunity for us to reinvent our country, to focus on building infrastructure that will drive and stimulate the real sector. It’s an opportunity to look inwards and dig deeper and not necessarily in the oil wells but in other areas of the economy.
MADE IN NIGERIA? Proudly So.
#Madeinnigeria?? was the major theme at the recent Economic summit #NES22 that held in Abuja October 10-12. I sat through 3 days of listening to the President, Vice President, numerous ministers ranging from Budget & Planning Senator Udoma to Trade Minister Okey Enelamah, even the Senate President showed up, as did several governors including Shettima of Bornu and Gov. Amosu all contributing to a wealth of insight about the behind the scenes thinking in our corridors of governance. I personally sat in and actively participated in a policy dialogue session with triple portfolio Power/Infrastructure/Housing Minister Fashola (one of my favourite public servants with whom I have no personal affiliation- just respect for his unquestionable intellect, sense of service and track record), Former Gov. Amaechi, Minister of Transport was also part of the policy dialogue. Determined not to be an arm chair citizen, I even ventured out of my comfort zone and also joined the Roundtable Session on Manufacturing/Real Sector and even volunteered to join a steering committee to curate and collate our joint discussions and recommendations to the VP through the NESG.
ON THE VERGE OF GREATNESS BUT STRUGGLING ….
My take home after 3 very interesting days which had many highs and lows, are as follows: Nigeria is on the verge of greatness. Hard as it is to believe, these tough times are a perfect backdrop for us to make a massive pivot, to turn from crisis to crossing into a new chapter of growth and unlimited opportunities in sectors that have traditionally been ignored. Agriculture, Industrialisation/
SOLUTIONS? We have some well meaning committed leaders who are willing to pay the price of ensuring we don’t remain at potential level but that we actually achieve our full potential as a nation no matter how tough. But their struggle is obvious. I saw a great measure of incoherence around many critical issues. Body language was mixed at best. I saw humility amongst most of the leaders who spoke and dialogues but also a certain sense of idealism and in some cases maybe even failure to grasp the real pain points of the citizens. Ultimately, Nigeria needs sensitive leadership. Leadership that is engaged or at least perceived to be engaged not aloof and uncaring about what we think and feel. Beyond personal incorruptibility, we need coherence and confidence in government policy. Clarity and communication beget confidence and truth be told, this government is suffering from an overdose of lack of confidence mainly due to mixed messages or in most cases non-messages. Luckily, it seems that this point was well taken and reiterated by Senator Udoma and hopefully they will take it seriously. Leadership has to start with inspiring confidence in the citizens. A confident constituent is willing to make sacrifices. Confident investors, invest in economies. Leadership is about vision and vision has to be sold, through constant, consistent and continuous communication and clarification. It’s never too much. When we have confidence, and good policies that are actually implemented, our crisis could really become a massive opportunity for us and the world. Nigeria cannot afford to fail. Neither can you.
I hope you use this opportunity to take stock of your own internal life and business operations. Make sure you are engaging those who matter to keep your business thriving. Identify the area of potential growth and take bold action.
Udo Okonjo is a Possibilities Igniter, Real Estate Tycoon, Wealth Strategist and Passionate Teacher whose life’s vision is to Democratize success by creating platforms and experiences that get people to transform their lives through changing their minds.
