A Professor at the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, He Wenping, has charged the Nigerian government to demonstrate strong commitment to genuinely tackle corruption and focus more on economic diversification.
Prof. Wenping gave the advice this while speaking with newsmen after speaking at a Seminar in Beijing, held at the Academy for International Business Officials.
She maintained that shifting dependence on oil revenue and waging a genuine war against corruption is a catalyst for growth, as this will shoot up the country to achieve its economic potential.
The seminar, organised by China’s Ministry of Commerce, brought together 33 participants from nine ‘developing countries including; Nigeria, Gambia, Uganda, South Sudan, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Solomon Islands, Mozambique, and Cabo Verde.
The don advised the Federal Government to also utilise the opportunity of the surge in oil prices to save enough funds and invest them in different other sectors that will guarantee stable revenue generation at all times.
Prof. Wenping emphasized the need for the government to prioritize job creation and inflation management, noting that the availability of oil should be a golden chance for the country to develop rapidly.
Wenping said, “Nigerian government needs to create jobs and control inflation. Nigeria is not like other African countries that have no oil. Actually, now you (Nigeria) have a golden chance to diversify the economy and focus on development because oil prices are now soaring. That brings you an opportunity; you should use that money for development.
The don also strongly advised the Federal Government to tackle corruption, stating that graft erodes people’s trust and confidence in government.
She cited the anti-corruption and unification mechanisms put in place in China, urging the Nigerian Government to also put in place measures that will allow citizens to monitor government officials.
“You need to be determined in the anti-corruption war and unite the people. The very strong willingness and determination are important. In China, we have very strong determination because we know this corruption is not good and it will influence the country’s future.
“Corruption will make the gap between the government and the people grow wider. Whereas, you need to unite the people together,” the don added.
