Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and Nation Building in Nigeria: Matters Arising

Abstract

The economic recession experienced by Nigeria between 2016 and 2017 constrained government’s effort at generating revenue and implementing national development plans. In order to remedy the situation the Buhari government introduced the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) in 20017 as a policy option. The ERGP is designed to diversify the economy, restore economic growth, create jobs, empower the youths, develop the human capital and infrastructure, improved business environment and bring about technological growth. But the success of the ERGP is hinged on the ability of the Buhari led All Progressive Congress government to muster the political will and implement the ERGP in the midst of corruption, predatory and alienated political culture and the symbolic approach to implementing development policies and programmes in Nigeria. Making deductions from the primary and secondary data used analytical variables the paper concluded that Nigeria needs strongmen, strong institutions, and good political culture for the ERGP to succeed. The apprehension that the predatory and alienated political culture and political interest and social apathy may undermine the successful implementation of the ERGP is justifiable. The checklist of solutions provided requires changes in the ethical, social and political orientation of governance by stakeholders for the ERGP to yield optimal results.