₦airaland Forum

Terrorism kills under 1000 people in Nigeria since 2009 but bad medicine, bad roads, kills more people since 2009. We shouldn't let the US spy because they don't want Nigeria to succeed. That means less money for the US since we won't buy their products as much.

@beknown
There isn't as much kidnapping in Lagos, they should move there and do business there.  But this is happening in most developing countries.  India Mexico and Brazil have high kidnap rates too.  But if those men who kidnap have jobs hen they are less likely to kidnap.  If we give them free education then they can get a degree and make good money working.  This is why when I do business, I will give scholarships to people so I can help them help theirselves.

@KnowAll
Corrupt as in accepting bribe or embezzling? Also, is this only for politics or business too? Your idea sounds very good. We should also strip all assets and sell to the government. Any cars that they bought with the money can go to a corruption auction to be sold to the public.

This is good, I hope the development gets better and better because I want Nigeria to be an African success story.

Forget the world Bank, they only care about developed countries. We need to stop the corruption in Nigeria and FIX THOSE ROADS. We also need 24 7 power and great ICT bandwidth. Then call centers and factories can come here. They will pay taxes and give people jobs. We need to help ourselves instead of asking for America, Europe or Asia's help.

We ned to put billions in education from age 5 until 18. We need more doctors, scientist, and engineers so we should give people who want to do that FREE UNIVERSITY!! This stuff is not that hard. All the people caught embezzling government funds will go to jail and have ALL ASSETS STRIPPED AND SOLD. The proceeds will go to the government. People steal because they know they won't get caught. Botswana has the highest transparency rate in Africa, we need to be like them then Nigeria can grow by 20% per year.

Job creation isn't that hard, the free trade zones are good starts. But we need to support Nigerians from all over the world. Try and get them to come back and start businesses. We need to make business starting very easy in Nigeria with NO CORRUPTION. People should start businesses in 1 week or less. Also, any company that steals government money should have their license revoked and the government can strip assets from the company.

Iff you steal from your own business then you will suffer in the long-run which will affect jobs. People caught stealing from businesses must go to jail and have ASSETS STRIPPED!!

I wish that I could be the President of Nigeria or a Governor of a state. I don't want money, I just want to make Nigeria a better place.

I have been to Nigeria every year for a couple of years. I was in Lagos and I can say that it is getting better and better. I also went to the village and that place is getting worse. SO overall, is Nigeria getting better or worse? Are more people getting educated? Living longer? Less crime? etc.

What are the best Nigerian construction firms? The firms that actually get the job done? Why doesn#t the FG find those companies and only use them?

Innoson

Britain is going to want interests after this (cheap oil).

I hope this doesn't turn into a situation like Bolivia where people are not able to afford their electricity and only the rich have it. It also better be constant 24/7 for the whole country then more economic growth can happen.

How much money will the FG makes from losing those subsidies? What will they do with the money? These questions must be answered. IF they will embezzle the money then this should not happen.

Us Africans tend to believe everything that we see. The white man came here with missionaries to gain our trust, then they killed many of us and made us work for them. I don't know why people still trust these missionaries and Christianity. Did they even study the true history of Africa. Look how rich these pastors and, missionaries and white people are. While many Africans have nothing.

We need to be like the Chinese and ban religion. That will mean less violence and people will work for this life not the after life.

@Frenchmen2 Why isn't getting a house help good anymore?

^^^^I think as of now it is talk but she might help in the future.

When Corruption is reduced then Nigeria's economy will increase. Corrupt people must have all assets stripped and sold and they must be jailed for 20 years.

By Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala
Of the many challenges facing our country, the most fundamental, in my view, is improving the economy and enhancing the welfare of our people. It is fundamental because the state of the economy is a barometer for measuring the health of other aspects of society, be they social, or political.

A weak economy is a recipe for societal breakdown: the political chaos that trailed the recent debt- crisis in Greece and other parts of Europe, and the recent public overthrow of governments in the Middle East and North Africa, are all traceable to fundamental economic problems.

The home truth is that the South East as a region is operating far below its economic potential. An area roughly the size of Belgium in land mass, and 11.7% of the Nigeria’s population (according to official statistics), can contribute more to the national GDP in view of enormous endowments of resources, both human and natural. This is the challenge that is confronting us today – a challenge that warrants our attention urgently, for the sake of present and future generations. To borrow the words of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, “economy is the method by which we prepare today to afford the improvements of tomorrow”.

Why is the South East zone so special? In addition to abundant natural resources, like oil and gas, coal, salt, and so on, the region still has one of the best arable land in the country – it is often said that everything grows in Igboland. The region has comparative advantage in the production of subsistence crops like yams, maize, rice, plantains, and cassava. Cash crops like oil palm, rubber, and wood are also in abundance. In this era of rising food prices, the region could potentially offer food security to the nation, and generate export revenues: Nigeria’s food imports cost more than $10 billion yearly. The development of agro-based industry could also rid the region of its high rates of unemployment.

However, the region is still a net consumer of food – a reflection of the poor state agriculture sector.

The South East Zone has also seen an increase in industrial activity in recent years, with the development of industrial clusters in various axes of the region. These clusters, including the Onitsha Plastic Cluster, Umuahia/Aba Garment Cluster, Aba Leather Cluster, Nnewi Automotive Cluster, to mention a few, are the flag-bearers of “made-in-Nigeria” products, and are in many cases, the only competition to foreign products that cost our nation significant amounts in foreign currency every year. However, the industrial sector is still employing rudimentary production processes, which curtail productivity and limit the amount of jobs created. With the right investments in technology and infrastructure, these industries could really take-off.

Again, the South East zone has one of the best Human Development Indicators in the country. It has the lowest poverty levels in the country, and the quality of human capital – specifically adult literacy rates, and gender development indicators, are the highest in the country. The potential for other service-based industry, apart from the wholesale and retail trade sector for which the region is well known, is therefore enormous. Overall, the economic opportunities that exist in the three sectors of economic development – primary, industry, and services, are vast, and quite unique to the South East zone in Nigeria.

Let me also briefly outline the significant challenges that lie ahead for the zone to realize its true economic potential. Firstly, there is a need for adequate infrastructure: The region’s road infrastructure is in a poor state, and is a major constraint to the development of agriculture and trade. While I commend efforts by the various state administrations to improve the roads networks, I also want to say that the federal government is willing to work hand-in-hand with the states to develop the region’s roads, particularly the Enugu-Port Harcourt road; the Second Onitsha Niger bridge – a key to unlocking inter-regional trade with the rest of the country; and, also rail transport links to the rest of the country. The environmental problems of soil erosion and waste management confronting the region as a whole is beyond the capacity of the States to address individually, and requires the involvement of the federal government. Efforts to implement the Inland Ports Development programme will also be ramped up at the federal level vis-a-vis efforts to improve trade logistics and cut clearing times for goods at the nation’s ports.

Secondly, improving the investment climate is paramount: According to the World Bank’s Doing Business in Nigeria Report (2010), the South Eastern states are ranked below other states and the FCT i.e. from 30th position to 36th, in the “ease of doing business” category – a reflection of the poor state of the business environment. The zone is particularly weak in the “enforcing contracts” category, suggesting the need to improve the justice system in the region. Business regulatory systems clearly need to be more efficient. The workforce in the region could also be better equipped with the right skill set, involving vocational training, to support the potential growth of the various economic sectors.

While the South East zone is one of the most homogenous and cohesive zones in this country, there is a need for continued cooperation among the various states and interest groups. I am confident that our commitment to work hand-in-hand is vital to the region’s development.

Economic development is not only about the right policies and programmes or even the right leadership. No doubt these are important factors which contribute to the achievement and sustenance of economic development. But they do not stand alone. A critical factor which drives and sustains economic development is the system of values which provides a foundation. I know that some of us sitting here think that values and character are luxuries which smart people can do away with in the pursuit of money and fame. I beg to disagree. I make bold to say that one of the reasons why we have not done as well as we should is because we have not displayed the necessary strength of character, that collective focus on the best interests of our people.

Our values should help us come together, make us treat each other better, help us build the bonds of brotherhood; help us reject the temptation to cheat each other. Our values and character are the critical ingredients we need to forge ahead as a people. A few of us have given our people a bad name through their selfish actions. But I believe it’s time for us to reject the bad name by categorically rejecting the negative values that have also contributed to stopping us from putting our best foot forward. There is no better time than now.

http://www.cp-africa.com/2011/09/12/opinion-dr-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-makes-a-case-for-south-east-nigerias-economy/

Nigeria imports foood to much, we have enough arable Land to feed all of Africa. We must start to invest in agriculture. There are byproducts of cassava that must be used too. We must make more refineries too.

By Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala
Of the many challenges facing our country, the most fundamental, in my view, is improving the economy and enhancing the welfare of our people. It is fundamental because the state of the economy is a barometer for measuring the health of other aspects of society, be they social, or political.

A weak economy is a recipe for societal breakdown: the political chaos that trailed the recent debt- crisis in Greece and other parts of Europe, and the recent public overthrow of governments in the Middle East and North Africa, are all traceable to fundamental economic problems.

The home truth is that the South East as a region is operating far below its economic potential. An area roughly the size of Belgium in land mass, and 11.7% of the Nigeria’s population (according to official statistics), can contribute more to the national GDP in view of enormous endowments of resources, both human and natural. This is the challenge that is confronting us today – a challenge that warrants our attention urgently, for the sake of present and future generations. To borrow the words of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, “economy is the method by which we prepare today to afford the improvements of tomorrow”.

Why is the South East zone so special? In addition to abundant natural resources, like oil and gas, coal, salt, and so on, the region still has one of the best arable land in the country – it is often said that everything grows in Igboland. The region has comparative advantage in the production of subsistence crops like yams, maize, rice, plantains, and cassava. Cash crops like oil palm, rubber, and wood are also in abundance. In this era of rising food prices, the region could potentially offer food security to the nation, and generate export revenues: Nigeria’s food imports cost more than $10 billion yearly. The development of agro-based industry could also rid the region of its high rates of unemployment.

However, the region is still a net consumer of food – a reflection of the poor state agriculture sector.

The South East Zone has also seen an increase in industrial activity in recent years, with the development of industrial clusters in various axes of the region. These clusters, including the Onitsha Plastic Cluster, Umuahia/Aba Garment Cluster, Aba Leather Cluster, Nnewi Automotive Cluster, to mention a few, are the flag-bearers of “made-in-Nigeria” products, and are in many cases, the only competition to foreign products that cost our nation significant amounts in foreign currency every year. However, the industrial sector is still employing rudimentary production processes, which curtail productivity and limit the amount of jobs created. With the right investments in technology and infrastructure, these industries could really take-off.

Again, the South East zone has one of the best Human Development Indicators in the country. It has the lowest poverty levels in the country, and the quality of human capital – specifically adult literacy rates, and gender development indicators, are the highest in the country. The potential for other service-based industry, apart from the wholesale and retail trade sector for which the region is well known, is therefore enormous. Overall, the economic opportunities that exist in the three sectors of economic development – primary, industry, and services, are vast, and quite unique to the South East zone in Nigeria.

Let me also briefly outline the significant challenges that lie ahead for the zone to realize its true economic potential. Firstly, there is a need for adequate infrastructure: The region’s road infrastructure is in a poor state, and is a major constraint to the development of agriculture and trade. While I commend efforts by the various state administrations to improve the roads networks, I also want to say that the federal government is willing to work hand-in-hand with the states to develop the region’s roads, particularly the Enugu-Port Harcourt road; the Second Onitsha Niger bridge – a key to unlocking inter-regional trade with the rest of the country; and, also rail transport links to the rest of the country. The environmental problems of soil erosion and waste management confronting the region as a whole is beyond the capacity of the States to address individually, and requires the involvement of the federal government. Efforts to implement the Inland Ports Development programme will also be ramped up at the federal level vis-a-vis efforts to improve trade logistics and cut clearing times for goods at the nation’s ports.

Secondly, improving the investment climate is paramount: According to the World Bank’s Doing Business in Nigeria Report (2010), the South Eastern states are ranked below other states and the FCT i.e. from 30th position to 36th, in the “ease of doing business” category – a reflection of the poor state of the business environment. The zone is particularly weak in the “enforcing contracts” category, suggesting the need to improve the justice system in the region. Business regulatory systems clearly need to be more efficient. The workforce in the region could also be better equipped with the right skill set, involving vocational training, to support the potential growth of the various economic sectors.

While the South East zone is one of the most homogenous and cohesive zones in this country, there is a need for continued cooperation among the various states and interest groups. I am confident that our commitment to work hand-in-hand is vital to the region’s development.

Economic development is not only about the right policies and programmes or even the right leadership. No doubt these are important factors which contribute to the achievement and sustenance of economic development. But they do not stand alone. A critical factor which drives and sustains economic development is the system of values which provides a foundation. I know that some of us sitting here think that values and character are luxuries which smart people can do away with in the pursuit of money and fame. I beg to disagree. I make bold to say that one of the reasons why we have not done as well as we should is because we have not displayed the necessary strength of character, that collective focus on the best interests of our people.

Our values should help us come together, make us treat each other better, help us build the bonds of brotherhood; help us reject the temptation to cheat each other. Our values and character are the critical ingredients we need to forge ahead as a people. A few of us have given our people a bad name through their selfish actions. But I believe it’s time for us to reject the bad name by categorically rejecting the negative values that have also contributed to stopping us from putting our best foot forward. There is no better time than now.

http://www.cp-africa.com/2011/09/12/opinion-dr-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-makes-a-case-for-south-east-nigerias-economy/

Nigeria imports foood to much, we have enough arable Land to feed all of Africa. We must start to invest in agriculture. There are byproducts of cassava that must be used too. We must make more refineries too.

All us Nigerians ever do is import. We have smart people and engineers around the world building. We need to bring them back to Nigeria to build Nigeria!! Cranes shoul d be made here.

Nigeria needs to put more money into track and field, soccer, and baksetball. Nollywood and music are on the rise. Now it is time for the sports industry to rise. We need a great national basketball league and also many more leagues for little kids to develop. This will create jobs and help the economy.

@mrjingles DOn't be sorry for a long post, you are very smart. I said N160 billion because that is roughly 1 billion dollars. That money can be used for marketing/sales (jobs) better finance (jobs), more engineers, assembly plant workers, factories, which means more jobs. Also more taxes so the government would be getting a revenue. If Innoson can sell regular 4 door cars then I am sure Nigerians would buy it. This will increase the production and eventually the economies of scale. In 5-10 years Innoson can be international competitor.

That will be the start, we need to make our own TVs, furniture, textiles, airplanes, weapons, semiconducters, boats, cell phones (They might already have this, not sure) computers. We need to be like Japan and make our own stuff. This will give people jobs, we need more infant industries and tarriffs or ban on many imports.

My question is, why doesn't the government want to give Innoson money? The US did it to Ford and it saved many jobs and helped Ford in LONG TERM. If we have all of this on top of oil then Nigeria can be a top country in 20 years.

Also, cars will always be needed until there are teleporters. So we cannot compare the car industry to the internet cafe or travel agents.

This might make African business people look bad :/

@mrjingles This will only provide short term jobs. Do you rememeber when the other auto companies failed and left in the 70s and 80s? The Indians might leave after 5 years. Innoson wants to stay, it will provide LONG TERM jobs and build CAPITAL. If Innoson has to compete with more companies then it might not work becuause it might fail in the beggining. The government needs to give Innoson N160 billion this will fund marketing/sales, and more manufgacturing. They will hire many engineers.

The Indians might not transfer all of their technology to us. This car company can lead to a steel prodcing company. That steel company will provide many jobs and they can be used for construction and making cars. This will help LONG TERM. We need more LONG TERM in order to have a great economy. We need to support industries.

Why don't they subsidize start ups and give them a good power system? They are trying to build industrial parks all over Nigeria here are some:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlvgw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk1bG57flNwCJ6E8k

How much does diesel cost per hour? If it is constant then this might be good.

Why doesn't Nigeria's government support infant industries? They help foreign companies but not Nigerian companies. Why don't they subsidize and help Innoson grow. They can create more factories and diversify their products (more variation in vehicles). Also put high tarriffs or ban imports on foriegn cars. This will CREATE WEALTH!! This is like basic economics, what are they missing?

Nigeria should be developing by 15% a year but it needs to have the government support infant industries and start exporting MORE. Invest more in science and technology. We need to make our own computers, TVs, clothes, shoes, etc. We import everything when we have the opportunity to export. What is Goodluck waiting for?

Olusegun Aganga. His body language seems to say ‘bury the indigenous auto makers in Nigeria.’

First, as Minister of Trade and Investment, he granted a waiver (allegedly) to an Indian firm to import over 200,000 (two hundred thousand) fully built-up Volkswagen Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in the country. He denied the report as an allegation in a national newspaper (Not BusinessDay).

The Director General of NAC, Aminu Jalal admitted, according to a newspaper report, that he was aware that the waiver was a proposal put forward by an auto import company as a precondition for them to open a vehicle producing plant in the country.

Jalal was quoted as saying that the Minister of Trade and Investment sent the request to them to look at and comment.

“We met with the company and told them that the incentives they are clamouring for are good and are the same that we have been advocating in the past, like increase in tariffs for FBUs but we objected to their request of duty-free importation.”

Second, he has happily announced that another Indian group have submitted proposal to establish auto assembly plants in Nigeria.

All that news sends mixed and unsettling signals to the already existing indigenous auto makers struggling amidst some strange policies that have hindered their progress thus far. It says to them that his priority is to strengthen the competitive advantage of emerging market auto makers, like India and China, which they already have, to the detriment of Nigeria auto makers like Innoson, Peugeot Automobile and National Truck Manfacturers (NTM).

Wrong strategy. Nigeria should at this period be trying to put in place policies that will encourage and position the automotive sector by stimulating the existing cadre of privately-owned manufacturers to help re-energise the economy.

The ministry of trade and investment should be doing more to look towards even India and China and follow their approach with commitment to making manufacturing a more central part of the economy. One way to do this is to refocus the banking system to create a pool of fund among themselves to provide finance for local auto manufacturers.

There are four or five banks and few other financial institutions that can be co-opted to lend to even the ancillary manufacturers to help them build up capacity and even sales over a long time.

While Innoson is the biggest indigenous auto maker in the country, research by BusinessDay has shown that in the past two years they have struggled to sell up to 1000 unit of their bus, which compares in terms of quality with those imported by foreign auto traders in the country despite their financial commitments.

Again, PAN has continued to suffer from myriad of issues, ranging from sales to financing challenges while these foreign groups enjoy massive waivers and subsidy provided by the federal government.

PAN is currently producing less than 20 cars daily and on the verge of retrenching about 5000 workers from their plants. Their woe is re-enforced by lack of government patronage and the huge cost of doing business in Nigeria. Its entire production line is decaying and under-utilised.

The likes of Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), once jointly owned by the Nigerian Government and the Mercedes Benz of Germany, South Eastern states, and some Nigerians and Volkswagen of Nigeria has since closed shop.

No doubt, auto manufacturing is key in any effort to rebalance the economy away from a dependence on oil. Its importance in terms of job creation can not be over-emphasized. Supporting its sustainability therefore should not be a question of lip-service but a concrete effort towards re-assuring stakeholders that any further allusion to foreign competitor or the encouragement of fully fitted vehicles into the country does not mean a death knoll for local manufacturers.

http://www.businessdayonline.com/NG/index.php/business-intelligence/27171-agangas-curious-auto-industry-strategy

What do you think about this? Why doesn't Nigeria's government support infant industries? They help foreign companies but not Nigerian companies. Why don't they subsidize and help Innoson grow. They can create more factories and diversify their products (more variation in vehicles). Also put high tarriffs or ban imports on foriegn cars. This will CREATE WEALTH!! This is like basic economics, what are they missing?

^^^^^What did Mortola do while he was alive?

I am trying to learn more about Nigerian history. I want to know hwo were great leaders of the past and what did htey do? I heard Mortola was really good but he died early.