Donald Duke’s Blueprint for Nigeria’s Recovery

By MM Tropics Media

Former Cross River State Governor and People’s Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has outlined his vision for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, economic stagnation, youth unemployment and weak governance.

Duke made the remarks during a recent edition of The Telescope Radio Show on Jordan 105.5 FM in Lagos, hosted by Olumuyiwa Adelaja, alongside co-host Dr. Martin Morgan and presenter Joy Abu.

The programme focused on the theme “Rescuing Nigeria”, with discussions centred on the country’s major challenges, including insecurity, youth unemployment, economic stagnation and institutional accountability.

Leadership and Accountability

Duke said Nigeria’s major challenges are largely rooted in poor leadership and a lack of accountability within government institutions.

He said that if elected president, his administration would establish clear targets for ministers and heads of government agencies, with consequences for officials who fail to deliver.

Duke argued that government officials must be held responsible for their performance, stressing that failure and negligence should no longer go without consequences.

He said his first 100 days in office would focus on clearly communicating his administration’s direction and establishing a culture of accountability across government.

Security and Intelligence-Led Policing

During the programme, Dr. Martin Morgan raised concerns about persistent insecurity across different parts of Nigeria.

In response, Duke advocated a shift from reactive security operations to intelligence-led policing.

He proposed greater accountability for Divisional Police Officers, military commanders and intelligence personnel responsible for security within specific areas.

Duke also advocated for greater decentralisation of policing, arguing that local security officers would be better positioned to understand their communities and identify potential threats before they escalate.

He emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering, saying effective policing should focus heavily on obtaining information that can help security agencies prevent crimes rather than simply responding after incidents occur.

Economic Recovery and Youth Empowerment

Duke also identified Nigeria’s large youth population as one of the country’s greatest economic opportunities.

He said government must create an environment where young Nigerians can acquire relevant skills, establish businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Among his proposed measures is a reduction in the high cost of borrowing, which he said makes it difficult for young entrepreneurs and small businesses to access capital.

He also advocated greater domestic production, including the establishment of local assembly plants to reduce dependence on imported finished products while creating jobs and developing technical skills.

Agriculture and Healthcare

On agriculture, Duke proposed guaranteed markets and pricing structures that would give farmers greater confidence to produce without fear of severe market losses.

He also outlined a proposed healthcare financing model aimed at expanding access to universal health coverage.

According to him, small automated levies linked to daily mobile telecommunications usage could provide a sustainable funding mechanism for a national healthcare system.

A Ten-Year Vision for Nigeria

Duke warned that Nigeria must significantly expand its productive capacity as its population continues to grow.

He argued that failure to create enough jobs and economic opportunities could contribute to rising crime, unemployment and migration.

His long-term vision is for a Nigeria where citizens have access to relevant skills, affordable healthcare, secure communities and an environment that allows businesses to thrive.

Duke said achieving such transformation would require discipline, accountability and a government focused on productivity and national development.

The discussion was hosted by Olumuyiwa Adelaja, with Dr. Martin Morgan serving as co-host and Joy Abu as presenter.

Reference/Credit: Jordan 105.5 FM — The Telescope Radio Show, Lagos.

Published by MM Tropics Media