Honourable Olanrewaju Moshood Oshun, a guest on the Ask the Expert segment of Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, has said Nigerians are not demanding too much from government but simply want access to basic services that guarantee a decent quality of life.
Oshun said citizens want functional schools, affordable healthcare, good roads, reliable electricity, security, clean water and other essential amenities.
According to him, Nigerians are less concerned about who occupies political offices when government provides the basic services they need to live and conduct their businesses comfortably.
He said the same concerns are evident among traders, artisans and small business owners across Lagos, who need safe and functional markets with electricity, water, clean toilets, good roads and adequate security.
“All they are asking for is to have quality of life,” Oshun said, stressing that these basic amenities would enable businesses to operate more efficiently and improve living standards.
The politician, however, said citizens must also accept responsibility for the country’s challenges rather than attributing every problem to government.
He argued that teachers, doctors, engineers, civil servants, motorists, parents and other members of society all have roles to play in building a better Nigeria.
Oshun criticised practices such as examination malpractice, bribery and professional negligence, warning that compromising standards in education ultimately produces unqualified professionals who may cause serious damage in the workplace.
He cited situations where poorly trained engineers are entrusted with major construction projects, arguing that professional misconduct can result in collapsed buildings, damaged infrastructure and loss of lives.
He also urged Nigerians to stop ignoring wrongdoing in their communities, saying citizens should report violations, protect public infrastructure and assist people in distress rather than simply recording emergencies with their phones.
On religion and social relations, Oshun called for greater tolerance and adherence to rules, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliations.
He argued that laws should be applied objectively, citing the disruption of roads by religious activities as an example of practices that should not be tolerated simply because they are associated with a particular faith.
Taxation and accountability
Speaking on concerns over taxation and its impact on small and medium-sized businesses, Oshun said Nigerians must recognise taxation as an important source of funding for public infrastructure and services.
He said recent changes to the tax system were designed to provide relief for businesses below certain income thresholds, while ensuring that those with greater capacity contribute more.
According to him, paying taxes also gives citizens the right to demand accountability from government and question how public funds are being spent.
Oshun said citizens should ask objective questions about government projects and spending instead of allowing political, religious or ethnic sentiments to influence their judgement.
Empowerment and job creation
Oshun also called for a shift from short-term relief programmes to sustainable empowerment initiatives.
He said giving people items such as sewing machines, freezers and tricycles could create lasting economic opportunities, unlike distributing food items, which only provides temporary relief.
He explained that a sewing machine could enable a beneficiary to start a tailoring business, while a freezer could help someone launch a business selling cold drinks and other products.
He stressed that the effectiveness of any empowerment programme depends on identifying the right beneficiaries and providing them with tools that can generate sustainable income.
On employment, Oshun said government should focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow rather than attempting to employ everyone directly.
He suggested incentives such as temporary tax holidays for new businesses that meet specified employment targets.
He also identified reliable electricity and other basic infrastructure as essential to reducing operating costs and encouraging businesses to create jobs.
However, he warned that citizens must also protect public infrastructure from vandalism and theft, noting that the destruction of public facilities ultimately forces government to spend more taxpayers’ money replacing them.
Opportunities for young people
Oshun said there are significant economic opportunities across Lagos, including on the mainland, and urged young people to explore entrepreneurship rather than limiting themselves to conventional office jobs.
He identified businesses such as food production, fashion, barbering, retail and technology as areas where young Nigerians can build sustainable livelihoods.
He also highlighted artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies as areas with growing opportunities for young people to develop skills and earn income.
According to him, the perception that success is only possible through white-collar employment or by travelling abroad must change.
Oshun further emphasised the importance of responsible parenting, saying the values taught at home significantly influence the behaviour of young people and, ultimately, the quality of society.
He said building a better Nigeria requires collective responsibility, with government and citizens alike playing their respective roles.
“Good homes will bring good society,” Oshun said, stressing that national development requires both effective leadership and responsible citizenship.
