From David Onuoja, Abuja
A retired Air Vice Marshal and climate change consultant, AVM Akugbe Iyamu, has emphasised that economic growth and development cannot be achieved through emotions and propaganda, but rather through transparency, accountability, and good governance.
In an article, Iyamu who is a consultant on change and analyst on environmental policies and President, Association of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Practitioners, noted that Nigeria’s economic challenges, including a budget deficit of almost N26 trillion, reveal a lack of rigour, creativity, and innovation in managing the economy.
He attributed this to the country’s tendency to prioritize propaganda over transparency and accountability, citing the collapse of over 10 million SMEs since 2023 due to foreign exchange policies, insecurity, and inflation.
Iyamu argued that Nigeria’s economic potential is not scarce, but rather irregular and poorly mediated, with services contributing 56% to GDP, while agriculture and manufacturing contribute less than 20% and 15%, respectively.
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The President, Association of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Practitioners emphasised the need for a new national approach, focusing on agriculture, climate actions, manufacturing, and creativity, rather than propaganda and political correctness.
The consultant analyst also highlighted the country’s high debt burden, with a borrowing of N152.4 trillion as of June 30, 2025, and over 80% of resources allocated for debt servicing, limiting funds for infrastructure and social services.
He therefore, urged Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders, rather than relying on propaganda and emotions which may not yield a positive result.
