Dr. Paul Ananaba: A Prescription for Nigeria’s Ailing System

I’m glad to be reporting on this interview with Dr. Paul Ananaba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He shares his thoughts on various issues, including the national minimum wage tussle, state police, regional government, and more.

Dr. Ananaba emphasizes the need for a more decentralized system, where regions are given more autonomy to manage their own affairs. He believes that this would reduce the cost of governance and encourage more effective use of resources.

On the issue of state police, he argues that it would be impractical and unsuitable for Nigeria’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape. Instead, he advocates for a system of regional government, where each region would have its own police force and administration.

Regarding the proposed new national minimum wage, Dr. Ananaba suggests that the parties involved should agree on a realistic figure, taking into account the current economic situation. He believes that the state governments should be compelled to pay the minimum wage, and that the law should be enforced to ensure compliance.

Dr. Ananaba also addresses the issue of kidnapping and killings, which he attributes to the inequity in the practice of governance and the lack of work opportunities. He suggests that a system of regional government would reduce the attractiveness of kidnapping and other forms of crime.

On the issue of prison reform, Dr. Ananaba proposes that courts should be set up in prisons or that courts should move to sit in prisons to decongest the facilities and ensure justice for inmates.

Overall, Dr. Ananaba’s views on governance, economy, and social issues provide valuable insights into the challenges facing Nigeria and the need for a more decentralized and effective system of governance.