Nigerian professionals living abroad have urged the Federal Government to adopt tested systems from other countries to address governance, economic and institutional challenges and reposition the country for growth by 2026.
As 2025 draws to a close, the experts said Nigeria’s persistent problems, including insecurity, weak institutions and economic instability, could be tackled if proven global best practices are adapted to local realities.
A former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism in Alberta, Canada, Prof. Akolisa Ufodike, said countries with high-performing governments place strong emphasis on productivity-driven systems, such as clear role definitions, data-based performance management, digitised public services and accountability for results.
Ufodike noted that effective governance abroad is sustained by strong institutions, transparent procurement processes, independent oversight bodies and merit-based appointments, adding that such systems ensure policy continuity and public trust beyond political cycles.
President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Africa Continental, Prof. Jude Osakwe, called on the government to prioritise digital governance, citing countries like Estonia where most public services are delivered online through a unified digital identity system, a model he said could significantly reduce corruption in Nigeria.
Osakwe also highlighted Singapore’s merit-based civil service structure, stressing that recruitment, promotion and competitive remuneration based on competence would professionalise Nigeria’s public service and curb political patronage.
On education and human capital development, the Secretary-General of Nigerians in the Middle East, Dr Anthonia Eddo, said Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had strengthened their economies by aligning education reforms with national development goals.
She explained that initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 focus on skills development, innovation, vocational education and research, while the UAE has invested heavily in world-class institutions and strong industry-education partnerships.
Eddo added that Nigerian professionals abroad could support reforms at home by helping to modernise curricula, strengthen technical education and develop sustainable environmental and waste management systems across major cities.
Also speaking, a United States-based judge, Mrs Abayomi Ajaiyeoba, called for increased investment in Nigeria’s judiciary, noting that judges are often constrained by inadequate resources and poor compensation.
She said greater use of technology, improved working tools and better welfare packages would strengthen judicial independence, reduce inefficiency and enhance the overall administration of justice in the country.
Source: PUNCH
