PUBLIC POLICY AND AGENT INTEREST
Development Discourse Invitation: Patrick O. Okigbo III in conversation with Dr. Shasuddeen Usman
Date: Wednesday, November 06, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (WAT)
Zoom: https://bit.ly/DevDisc_PPIA
In emerging economies like Nigeria, the relationship between the state (the agent) and its citizens (the principals) faces significant challenges. The principal-agent problem arises when government officials fail to act in the public's best interests, leading to a deteriorating social contract. This is evident in widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and limited access to essential services like healthcare and education, resulting in public distrust and frustration.
Addressing governance challenges requires a renewed commitment to restoring the social contract and enhancing public sector accountability. What are the implications of Nigeria's broken social contract, and what steps are needed to rebuild it? How can Nigeria's public sector improve performance and coordinate better with international partners and the private sector? What reforms can increase government accountability and transparency? How can citizens actively influence policies for the public good? Drawing from emerging economies, what strategies should Nigeria adopt to align government actions with societal interests?
Join Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman and Patrick O. Okigbo III in exploring these critical questions. Dr. Usman will draw from his book Public Policy and Agent Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World and his experiences as Nigeria's two-time Minister, first in Finance and then in economic planning. The discussion will delve into the structural and policy barriers that hinder Nigeria's public sector from effectively serving its citizens.
Dr Shamsuddeen Usman is the CEO of Susman & Associates Ltd. He holds a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, and an MSc and PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Dr Usman has held pivotal roles, including Nigeria's Minister of National Planning, Minister of Finance, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Managing Director of NAL Merchant Bank and Executive Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Union Bank of Nigeria. Dr Usman is a former President and a Fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society. He is also a Fellow of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Nextier, a multi-competency advisory firm, uses its Development Discourse Series to probe for answers to complex development questions. You can click here to watch videos of previous discussions.
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