Oluwafemi Ojo, a policy expert in his recent interview with OduNews.com shares some interesting ideas on how government policies in Nigeria played out in businesses lately.
Can we meet you?
I am Ojo Oluwafemi Daniel a passionate African, an Honorable member Lagos state youth Parliament representing Amuwo Odofin constituency 2. I am as well a National Administrative Executive of the African Youth Development Commission in Nigeria. I am a Government relations policy and partnership specialist. I have over the years impacted and trained about 3000 youths and students in three states respectively Oyo, Lagos and the Federal capital territory.
For how long have you been practising as a policy analyst?
That will be about four years now
How would you describe compliance to policies in Nigeria?
A policy is not effective unless of course, it is implemented and absolute compliance is ensured.
I’d see no reason why the policy should be made (knowing fully well that policies are not just cooked up overnight without adequate and thoughtful planning), and ensuring compliance will now be an issue.
It is not unexpected that companies would be profit-oriented and not all policies will favour that, this is why policies made should be fair to all, as I feel that way compliance and enforcing it, would be equally fair.
Regarding the recent ban of motorcycle and tricycles, how would you describe the move by Lagos state government?
The government of a state is saddled with a number of responsibilities. At times, catering for one might conflict with another and this is where compromise is important. You know there is always the concept of greater good and collateral damage.
As much as the government is concerned about the security of its citizens, we should also be reminded that security goes beyond the physical and criminal. Financial and economic security is as important as the rest.
As much as we would try to understand the motives behind the ban, we can not also ignore the effect it will have on the finances and economic stability of the citizens of Lagos State.
It’s always okay to put the citizens first because in the end, they are at the receiving end, either through companies or life risks or transportation, the citizens are always at the receiving end.
What advice do you have for investors coming to Nigeria?
Apparently, investment goes way beyond having some money to throw around and a brilliant idea especially when a single government policy can wipe out all of your stand or most of it.
In such cases, you are almost left with a choice to either befriend the government for favours or face it squarely which might not put you in business for a long time.
When deciding to invest especially in a foreign country, certain things cannot be evaded.
You need to understand that the only way you win is when the country wins. It has to be a win-win situation.
You don’t go to another man’s country and want to dominate your decision-making board without having a large percentage of the locals, Who will show you around? Who will put you through?
Employing locales in numbers doesn’t really count when about 90% are casual and unskilled workers and the managerial or decision making body can hardly boast of few. In the long run, when the chips are down, you’ll realise you are just shooting yourself in the leg.
You’ll need locals whose interests are your interest, that’s how they can go all out for you… I think I’m going too hard on this, what do you think?
If at all there’s a policy amendment you could implement, what will it be?
Maybe it will be on the seemingly growing strict restrictions of the media. The above can be redesigned by you as this is the policy I will like to change
