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Rethinking Nigeria's Problems

Uche Nworah - 4/7/2005

Nigeria is a big country, and so are her many problems. Some of these problems have been identified as bribery and corruption, unemployment, poor infrastructural development, over dependence in the oil sector for federal income and revenue, poor work ethics, increasing citizens dissatisfaction and disaffection with the government, political structures and politicians, corporate and large scale organisational irresponsibility, inadequate funding of the educational, health and other key sectors, neglect of the agricultural and other non-oil productive/manufacturing sectors, continued manufacture of poor quality, fake and substandard goods and services, over dependence on imported goods, poorly regulated capital and financial market, tribal, ethnic and religious squabbles, homelessness, poverty and hunger, poor maintenance culture, poor planning, lack of security and disregard for human life and property, armed and pen robbery and others.

Suggested strategies for improvement

Nigeria and Nigerians need to change their thinking as well as their ways of doing things, especially in this modern era. Adopting the principles of modernism may be a good starting point.

The modern movement known as modernism began in the late 19th century and was originally rooted in the idea that 'traditional' forms of art, literature, social organization and daily life had become outdated, and that it was necessary to sweep them aside and re-invent 'culture'. This description can not be any truer if applied to the current Nigerian situation.

As encouraged by the modern movement, it is time for Nigerians to examine every aspect of their existence, from commerce and government to philosophy, the goal will be to find that which is 'holding back' progress and replace them with new and therefore better ways of reaching the same goals, Nigerians should begin to reject and challenge tradition both in the society, government, organisations and at work. The driving philosophies in this process will be those of freedom of expression, experimentation, radicalism and revolution in all aspects of our lives: family, business, schools, work, churches, government, thinking, relationships, beliefs and culture.

Although modernism in other parts of the world have now entered a new era (post-modernism/post-modernist era), starting the movement in Nigeria at this point should not be seen to be too late, Nigerians should therefore shun the criticisms that may surface from the anti-modernists camps, they have variously described modernism as an exaggerated love of what is modern and also as an infatuation for modern ideas, these criticisms have always been borne out of mediocrity, fear of change and selfishness, in Nigeria, the potential critics of modernism are likely to be the oligarchs, politicians and the other opinion leaders and beneficiaries of a backward and highly corrupt economy. These negative views have also always been challenged by the modernists with their basic world view that what is new can also be good and beautiful.

This is the time also for Nigerians to extend their love for Japanese cars and products further; a most appropriate time to question and learn from the principles behind their cheap but fuel economic and efficient cars in comparism to the other automobile brands, as well as the principles that have driven the Japanese economy in the last fifty years, helping to turn them into one of the strongest economies in the world.

To support the modernist ideas and ideals I earlier mentioned, Nigerians should therefore adopt the KAIZEN concept in every aspect of their national life.

Kaizen is a Japanese concept and strategy which simply means continuous improvement involving everyone including workers and managers; in Nigeria, this will involve both the government, legislators, businesses, individuals, families and all other stakeholders in the society. Kaizen has its roots in the ancient Chinese Zen philosophy which prescribes constant, small and gradual improvement rather than wholesale innovation which usually connotes big, bold, sudden and ground breaking changes. Kaizen can be likened to taking baby steps (one day at a time) rather than making sudden giant strides and leaps.

As we try to change and challenge our views and ways of doing things in Nigeria (modernism), we should do this not as a sudden, big and one-off activity but we should regard whatever we do and the changes we plan to implement as a continuous and systematic process, this is because the Kaizen process is a continuous, progressive and incremental improvement of activities both in the public and private sectors to create more value for all stakeholders with less waste.

The kaizen concept was developed over fifty years ago at Toyota by Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo, the literal meaning of the word in the Japanese language means to take apart and put back together in a better way, Toyota has successfully done this in all their production plants and have benefited from the process by becoming the lowest cost and highest quality automobile company in the world. All over the world, companies, organisations, individuals and countries are beginning to adopt the kaizen principles in their daily lives, Nigeria and Nigerians will also benefit if we do the same.

Kaizen is not a mediocre and hypocritical activity, it goes beyond the mere paying of lip service just like we are used to in Nigeria, it is also not just the mere hiring of suit wearing consultants and executives to bury the efforts in a mass of papers in management jargons, it is a genuine and helpful way of life, for the individual, the organisation and the country. According to Masaaki Imai, regarded globally as the father of Kaizen, Kaizen should be reflected in our thoughts, words and deeds always.

Government should lead the way by providing the legal and institutional framework, backed by a political will to implement the framework. The government's efforts should be complemented by the citizenry, businesses and other organisations some of which have already demonstrated modernist and kaizen thinking in some of their actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this writer believes that introducing modernism and the Kaizen principles in our daily lives in Nigeria will help our different efforts to rid our beloved country of some of the problems that have slowed down her progress and development, the process should involve everybody, not a day should go past in our daily lives without a single improvement in our government, businesses, schools, families, organisations and institutions. Starting with small scale improvements will be easier in the beginning, large scale improvements may look attractive but are more difficult to implement and can trigger resistance and encourage sabotage.

A vision of quality first instead of profits and personal gains should be pursued both by businesses and the government. A culture of excellence should be promoted in all organisations, where all stakeholders recognise that there are problems in the system and letting the stakeholders freely admit these problems, while at the same time encouraging and empowering them to suggest improvements which should be implemented, the new ideas and suggestions should not be left to gather dusts in locked cabinets and vaults.

Finally problems should be solved in a cross-functional, systematic, supportive, co-operative and collaborative manner, devoid of any witch-hunting, envy and petty jealousies.