Economic Expert Declines Interviews with Nigerian Media, Citing "Dialogue of the Deaf"
Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has announced that he has turned down nearly all requests for interviews on the country’s economy from Nigerian media outlets over the past several months. In a recent post on his social media handle, Moghalu explained that he has already spoken extensively on how to fix Nigeria’s economy and sees no point in continuing to engage with the media on the topic.
Moghalu’s decision comes as the country grapples with worsening economic hardship and hunger, triggered by the floating of the Naira and removal of the fuel subsidy by the current administration. The former Deputy Governor’s statement is seen as a critique of the government’s handling of the economy, with some analysts arguing that the administration’s policies have been misguided and ineffective.
Kalu Aja, a financial analyst and educator, recently expressed similar sentiments, stating that the government’s approach to palliatives has been flawed. Aja noted that it took the government a year to understand the need to import food and develop a plan, and that the CNG buses, which were touted as a solution to the country’s transportation woes, remain a mirage.
Moghalu’s comments have sparked debate about the role of experts in shaping economic policy and the importance of engaging with the media to communicate their ideas. While some have praised Moghalu’s decision to prioritize action over words, others have criticized him for abandoning his responsibility to share his expertise with the public.
Regardless of one’s perspective on the matter, Moghalu’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and collaboration between experts and policymakers in addressing the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s economy.
