Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria has been committed to forging a common front for the development and progress of the region. The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission is leading efforts to improve the region's living standards, with a focus on education, transportation, agriculture, and security. One key project being pursued is the construction of a railway line connecting the six states of the Southwest region. Experts believe that it is possible to achieve a network of 4000 kilometers of railroads across the region within four years. The proposed railway infrastructure would not only improve access to Lagos but also strengthen its position as the economic and financial capital of Nigeria and West Africa, while enhancing linkages between Lagos and other Southwest states. This project is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and competitiveness, with the potential to generate over 10 million jobs. The regional cooperation agenda is also viewed as a path to restructuring Nigeria.
In a similar vein, the newly elected governors of seven Nigerian states in the North West zone have been commended by the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, for their regional development approach. The governors visited the AfDB to strengthen cooperation and unlock the country's agricultural potential. The focus is on implementing Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) and leveraging AfDB's renewable energy programs. The Bank aims to provide one billion dollars in financing to expand the SAPZ program in Nigeria. The North West zone, which is home to 10 million of the country's 22 million herds of cattle, faces challenges such as lack of irrigation infrastructure, low yields, and youth unemployment. The governors emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, rural infrastructure development, and job creation through agriculture. The AfDB and its partners have also launched the Alliance for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones with an initial investment commitment of three billion dollars to transform Africa's rural areas into zones of prosperity.
President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, proposes changing the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to 'The United States of Nigeria' in order to change the relational mindset between the states and Abuja. Adesina believes that the fulcrum should be the states, with the center supporting them rather than lording over them. He argues that with good governance, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption, economically stronger constituent states would emerge, leading to a new Nigeria. Adesina emphasizes the need for constitutional changes to devolve more economic and fiscal powers to the states or regions, stating that the stronger the states or regions, the stronger the federated units. He also calls for a change in the governance system and greater decentralization of governance to states to provide greater autonomy. Adesina suggests that states focus on unlocking their resources based on areas of comparative advantage to rapidly expand wealth for their people. By doing so, states can access capital markets and secure long-term financing to fast-track their growth and development, reducing their reliance on the federal government.
Akinwumi Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank Group, delivered a keynote address at Chatham House in London. He highlighted Africa's economic prospects, including its projected population growth, rising middle class, uncultivated arable land, renewable energy potential, and the African continental free trade area. Adesina also discussed the African Development Bank's initiatives to support agriculture, renewable energy, human capital development, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the importance of structural change, increased productivity, and private sector mobilization for unlocking Africa's economic potential. [cc2b66f0] [8711094f] [b4711c1c] [ef59829f] [113abf89] [20e218d1] [47abbd43] [58374adc] [9ba68255]