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By Frank Tietie
_Development, in its holistic terms, must address the problems of poverty, inequality, social justice, unemployment, standard of living, housing, household income expenditure, level of nutrition, life expectancy, infant mortality, level of education, self-reliance, self-esteem and freedom,_ etc.
– *Abdullahi Mohammed* , Ph.D
The reason I identify myself as a development lawyer is closely tied to the issues outlined above, which have defined my career over the past 20 years.
I have discovered that the law courts and the media are the most powerful tools for shaping laws, policies, and programmes that can enhance living standards and foster Nigeria’s progressive development from a less developed country (LDC) to a more stable and prosperous nation. This transformation is essential for fulfilling the social, economic, and political aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Consequently, all government activities, particularly expenditures, should be evaluated based on their ability to improve living conditions and make life more meaningful for most Nigerians.
Since 1960, the indices, political practice (our kind of politics) and public administration reveal that Nigeria has struggled to prioritise human development in its allocation of national resources.
Many citizens fail to realise that the annual budget is the most important law, in my humble opinion, after the Constitution. Likewise, government officials often do not adhere to the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy (FODP) outlined in Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Nation-building is a collective effort that demands a conscious and patriotic citizenry alongside a government that is committed to applying the principles of public service and placing human development at the core of its policies and programmes.
Whether as politicians, public servants, businesspeople, traditional and religious leaders, or ordinary citizens, we can create a more meaningful, exciting, and progressive life by collectively making nation-building a shared goal.
This is why the court cases, business dealings, and media productions I engage in are defined and measured by their contributions to national development and improving living conditions in Nigeria.
A greater Nigeria is possible with a little more sincere commitment to nation-building by us all.
Frank Tietie Esq, a Development Lawyer, Media Personality & Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights, writes from Abuja