Nigeria:Reflection (Part three)
by Kede Aihie
By 1980, Nígeria, entered its third decade as an Independent nation (1st October 1960). The government of the day, was elected in 1979, after 13 years of military dictatorship (1966).
A couple of events in the 1980s and early 1990s shaped Nigeria’s socio, political and economic development.
What were these events, In 1983, the military, overthrew the civilian administration of Shehu Shagari and installed General Muhaau Buhari as head of the junta.
Twenty months, later, Major General, Buhari was overthrown by Major General Ibrahim Babaginda.
General Babaginda ruled as military President of Nigeria, from 1985 until his resignation in 1993.
Babaginda’s tenure was marked by poor economic judgement, corruption, human right abuses and deception.
The major decision that had profound impact on Nígerians, was introduction of Structural Adjustment Program (SAP).
The Babaginda regime adopted SAP in June 1986, a comprehensive structural adjustment program (SAP) that signalled a radical reform process.
Emphasis was placed on reliance of market forces and the private sector in dealing with the fundamental problems of the economy.
The effects of this poorly executed strategies of economic reform led to the collapse of manufacturing and agricultural industries, heightened unemployment and social insecurity.
SAP led to the collapse of Nigeria state which gave fecundity for ethno-religious manipulations and further affected the Nigeria labour sector and caused intense strain and disorganization of labour movements, this was manifest in sporadic industrial disputes and strikes which hampered economic development in Nigeria.
SAP culminated to identity transformation, conflicts and economic crisis in Nigeria. Secondary source of data is employed.
The Babaginda regime, negatively impacted on Nígerians, ‘settlement’ culture, crept into Nigeria’s lexicon. Advance fee fraud, and other egregious conduct became the norm. Nigeria, during this period endured reputational damage.
The hardship led to many middle class Nigerians, leaving the country. Professionals left the country, it was a period of brain drain. Which had a negative effect on Nigeria.