Adamu Garba, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparked a debate on Monday by asserting that Nigeria’s focus should be on consumption rather than production.
He argued that the emphasis on consumption over production is vital for understanding the dynamics necessary for national productivity.
Contrary to the stance of others, including Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, who advocates for transitioning Nigeria from consumption-oriented to production-oriented, Garba offered a contrasting perspective.
He emphasized the importance of creating value in consumption, insisting that spending is essential for economic growth.
“Nigerian demography is green and supposed to be an asset, but it is gradually turning into a liability,” Garba remarked, highlighting the significance of transforming Nigeria’s youthful population into a productive force.
He stressed the need for young people to spend their earnings to generate value, asserting that Nigeria’s economic value lies primarily in consumption.
Garba elaborated on the misconception surrounding the consumption-to-production paradigm, emphasizing that Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI) remains relatively low and requires urgent attention.
He argued that waiting two decades to enhance the HDI was a luxury Nigeria couldn’t afford, emphasizing the need to prioritize value creation in consumption.
Furthermore, Garba addressed the issue of military recruitment, expressing concern over the reluctance of young Nigerians to enlist.
He emphasized the importance of building a robust military force capable of protecting the nation’s supply lines and ensuring stability.
Garba called for a substantial increase in military personnel to safeguard Nigeria’s interests and support its growth trajectory.
“Nigeria must grow to be an effective military power to continue to protect the interests of the hundreds of millions of Nigerians who will need the food and energy we need to be stable and grow as a nation,” Garba emphasized, underscoring the significance of a strong military presence for national security and prosperity.
In urging young Nigerians to consider military service, Garba emphasized its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He emphasized the need for a sizable military force to safeguard the nation’s interests and facilitate its development objectives.
Adamu Garba’s perspective on prioritizing consumption aligns with a broader discourse on Nigeria’s economic trajectory, prompting reflection on the nation’s development priorities and strategies.
As Nigeria navigates its path towards economic prosperity, Garba’s insights underscore the complexity of balancing consumption-driven growth with sustainable development goals.
