...Government reforms must be explained in a language ordinary Nigerians understand
Dear Mr President,
Nigeria is undergoing far-reaching economic reforms. Difficult decisions have been taken and institutions are being restructured. Yet, a major challenge remains: millions of Nigerians do not fully understand what these reforms mean, why they are necessary or how they are expected to improve their lives.
For the ordinary Nigerian struggling with food prices, transportation costs, rent and other pressures of inflation, economic statistics offer little comfort. People want simple answers: Why are we making these sacrifices? What have the reforms achieved? Where are the savings and additional revenues going? When will ordinary Nigerians begin to feel the benefits?
Mr President, government policies cannot remain within official documents, ministerial briefings and press conferences. They must reach the marketplace, motor park, farm, school, workplace and family home.
Nigeria has done this before.
Many Nigerians will remember MAMSER — Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery. Whatever one's assessment of the government of that era, MAMSER demonstrated the power of sustained national orientation. Its messages reached communities, schools and radio programmes and became part of the national conversation.
The introduction of the 6-3-3-4 education system provides another example. Nigerians did not have to be education experts to understand the phrase. Through sustained public enlightenment, 6-3-3-4 became part of Nigeria's national vocabulary.
Today's reforms require that same intensity of public communication, adapted to modern Nigeria.
The National Orientation Agency should be strengthened and mobilised for a vigorous grassroots enlightenment campaign. Ministers and government agencies should go beyond announcing achievements. They should explain policies in simple language, present verifiable results, acknowledge challenges and tell Nigerians what comes next.
And this campaign must go beyond Abuja.
Take it to the 774 local government areas. Communicate through radio and indigenous languages. Engage traditional rulers, market associations, transport workers, professional bodies, youth organisations, religious institutions, schools, civil society groups and community leaders. Television, newspapers and social media are important, but Nigeria is much bigger than social media. Most importantly, communication must not become propaganda.
Government should listen as much as it speaks. Nigerians should have opportunities to ask questions, express concerns and receive credible answers. Where a reform is working, show the evidence. Where progress is slow, explain why. Where mistakes have been made, acknowledge them and make corrections.
Nigerians are being asked to endure a difficult transition. Their patience cannot be taken for granted. Public understanding and trust must be earned through openness, evidence and constant engagement.
Economic reform is not only about getting the policy right. People must understand where the country is going, why the journey is difficult and what lies at the end of it.
Mr President, Nigeria needs a new national orientation drive — not propaganda, but honest and sustained public enlightenment.
Take the reforms to the people. Explain them. Simplify them. Show the results. And listen to the people.
If Nigerians are being asked to make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow, they deserve to understand the journey.
Segun Adesemoye, President, Yoruba Heritage Group, Onajin Street, Ondo. Email: yorubaheritage1@gmail.com
