From Stabilization to Prosperity: Expert Advocates Citizens-Centred Agenda for Nigeria’s Recovery

From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi

A financial expert and governance advisor, Ortamen Manz Denga said Nigeria’s journey towards economic recovery must move beyond macroeconomic reforms and focus on improving the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

Denga stated this in a policy paper he titled “From Stabilization to Prosperity: A Citizens-Centred Agenda for National Recovery and Renewal.

He argues that while recent reforms have improved government revenues and reduced fiscal leakages, many Nigerians continue to struggle with rising food prices, insecurity, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure.

The document notes that three yearsinto the current administration, progress has been recorded in certain economic indicators. However, it stresses that governance should not be measured solely through statistics but by the ability of citizens to feed their families, travel safely, secure jobs, sustain businesses, and enjoy basic infrastructure such as electricity.

According to the paper, a growing gap exists between government narratives of progress and the realities experienced by millions of Nigerians. It warns that unless this disconnect is addressed urgently, economic reforms may lose public support regardless of their long-term benefits.

To bridge this gap, the author identifies three critical national priorities that should guide government action, defeating hunger and restoring household purchasing power, restoring security and the rule of law, and accelerating infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth and national prosperity.

On food security, the paper describes food inflation as the greatest threat to social stability and public confidence. It recommends that the Federal Government declare food security a national emergency and coordinate ministries, security agencies, financial institutions, and state governments around a comprehensive strategy aimed at increasing food production and reducing food costs.

The document further calls for enhanced protection of farming communities and major agricultural corridors to enable displaced farmers to return to their farms. It also advocates expanded access to low-interest loans, mechanisation, irrigation facilities, improved seedlings, and modern storage and transportation systems to reduce post-harvest losses.

Addressing insecurity, the paper emphasizes that security remains the foundation for national development. It proposes a decentralized security framework that integrates federal agencies, state authorities, traditional rulers, and community intelligence networks. It also recommends greater deployment of technology such as surveillance drones, geographic intelligence systems, and real-time monitoring centres to tackle emerging threats.

The author also calls for a dedicated anti-kidnapping and organized crime initiative involving specialized courts, intelligence units, and rapid-response teams. Strengthening border security and policing in rural communities is identified as another key measure for reducing criminal activities and restoring public confidence.

On infrastructure, the paper argues that no nation has achieved sustainable economic transformation without significant investment in power, transportation, rail systems, and digital connectivity. It recommends prioritizing electricity generation and transmission projects, strategic economic corridors linking farms to markets and factories to ports, as well as expanding broadband penetration across the country.

Denga noted that rebuilding trust between government and citizens is as important as economic reform itself adding that Nigerians need visible evidence that government policies are improving their lives.

According to him, the true test of leadership is not the strength of economic indicators or official statements but whether ordinary citizens can confidently say that life is becoming safer, more affordable, and more hopeful.