The Futility of Empowerment Schemes: A Critique of Governance in Nigeria
Chief Nduese Essien, former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, has launched a scathing critique of the prevalent practice of empowerment schemes in Nigeria, characterizing them as a wasteful disguise for persistent governance failures. These schemes, often touted as poverty alleviation initiatives, involve the distribution of food items, cash, and other material goods to citizens. Essien argues that these programs are not only ineffective but also deeply demeaning, perpetuating a cycle of dependence rather than fostering self-sufficiency. He contends that true empowerment lies in creating an environment where individuals can thrive through access to opportunities, resources, and supportive policies.
Essien’s central argument revolves around the fundamental role of government in creating an enabling environment for its citizens. He contrasts the current state of affairs with the pre-1999 era, where empowerment schemes were largely absent because the government, in his view, adequately fulfilled its responsibilities. This entailed providing essential services and fostering conditions conducive to economic activity, allowing individuals to earn a living with dignity. The proliferation of empowerment schemes, he posits, is a direct consequence of government failures to meet these fundamental obligations. The schemes have become a convenient cover-up for these shortcomings, allowing politicians to project an image of concern while simultaneously squandering public funds.
The former minister highlights the irony of government officials taking credit for providing necessities that should be readily available to citizens as a matter of right. He argues that these handouts, while perhaps offering temporary relief, do little to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Instead, they create a culture of dependence and discourage individuals from seeking sustainable livelihoods. The billions of naira spent on these initiatives over the years, he asserts, have yielded minimal impact, with recipients often finding themselves back in the same queues, waiting for the next handout. This cycle of dependence, he argues, is neither dignifying nor effective in addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty.
Essien advocates for a paradigm shift in how the government addresses the needs of its citizens. He calls for a move away from short-term, palliative measures towards long-term investments that build human capacity and stimulate productivity. He cites examples from other countries, such as Brazil, Mexico, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, where targeted interventions are linked to specific outcomes like education, healthcare, and skills development. These programs, he emphasizes, are not acts of charity but rather strategic investments in human capital, fostering self-reliance and promoting sustainable development. They represent a model of good governance, prioritizing long-term solutions over short-term political gains.
The former minister also expresses deep concern about the role of ministries of Humanitarian Affairs at both federal and state levels. He alleges that these institutions, ostensibly created to address the needs of vulnerable populations, have instead become channels for large-scale embezzlement. He points to numerous accusations of misappropriation and embezzlement against ministers in charge of these portfolios, highlighting a systemic failure of accountability. The inability of anti-corruption agencies to effectively prosecute these cases, he argues, further underscores the need for a comprehensive review of how the government responds to the needs of its citizens.
Essien concludes with a powerful call for a fundamental change in approach. He urges the government to abandon the practice of handing out food items and cash, emphasizing that this approach neither alleviates poverty nor fosters self-respect. Instead, he advocates for policies that create opportunities, build capacity, and empower individuals to become self-sufficient. This, he believes, is the true path to sustainable development and a more equitable society. He emphasizes the importance of learning from the successes of other nations, adopting strategies that prioritize long-term investments in human capital over short-term, politically expedient handouts. His critique serves as a compelling indictment of the current system and a clarion call for a more effective and dignified approach to governance.
