A New Look for Nigeria

The United Nations Development Programme is currently facing conflict regarding the improvement and diversification of Nigeria. In ensuring sustainability and reducing inequalities in impoverished nations, the UNDP has now shifted focus to Nigeria due to its dependence on oil and vulnerability to corruption. This dependence causes deep concern within the delegates of UNDP.

The effects of leaving this issue unresolved could potentially bring Nigeria into a financial crisis.

As described by the delegation of Egypt: “Economic resilience in Nigeria is a very important topic because there is the whole issue of economic corruption right now. Northern Nigeria is predominantly Muslim and Southern Nigeria is predominantly Christian. With Northern Nigeria being less economically prosperous and Southern Nigeria more economically prosperous, Northern Nigeria is brought into a state of danger. If economic resilience is not solved it could potentially make the infrastructure of Nigeria worse, but also continue to weaken the economy which will in turn strengthen social barriers between Northern and Southern Nigerians.”

China, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Senegal, and Zimbabwe have partnered to ensure Nigeria’s improvement. Their goal: to remove systematic corruption in the military by the removal of oil dependency. Economic diversification will ensure this corruption is avoided.

China on their plan: “We are focusing on agriculture to benefit the underdeveloped north: promoting research and development into sustainable, more productive farming methods, taking into account climate change and damaged soil from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.”

The implementation of training colleges and agricultural institutes will also aid in Nigeria’s progression. Irrigation systems and railways will be rebuilt in order to elevate the rural North’s quality of life and open opportunity for citizens.

Mexico is leading the logistics for the irrigation plan stating:

“The pipeline is a South cooperation already implemented between Morocco and Nigeria which was agreed upon last year and taken effect this year. We are introducing it because it could use more funding and support for countries surrounding it.”

Modeled after Ostrack, an Australian program which helped prevent corruption, Mexico plans to implement “Intrack” to ensure financial transactions and suspicious activities are reported. A seemingly sound proposal yet the success in application still brings doubt to other countries.

Across the board countries such as Pakistan, Estonia, and Guatemala seem to understand the necessity of attending to the core of Nigeria’s issues.

Guatemala: “We cannot build a house on this cracked foundation!”

With the focus of Nigeria’s success heavily divided between agriculture, irrigation, and education, it is essential for country officials to reach a general consensus to tackle this pressing issue.