Weak institutions, poor legislative framework hindering Nigeria’s development — NDC candidate

Weak institutions and a poor legislative framework have been identified as major obstacles to Nigeria’s development, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Lagos House of Assembly candidate, John Ademola Akano, has said.

Mr Akano, who is the NDC candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency 1, made the assertion during a media chat with journalists.The businessman and real estate consultant said weak institutions and poor legislative frameworks had contributed to corruption, abuse of power, political instability and other practices hindering Nigeria’s development.

According to him, poor enforcement of laws, weak accountability, lack of transparency and inadequate funding of government agencies have also contributed to poor public service delivery.

Mr Akano said these challenges had weakened citizens’ trust in government and negatively affected national development.

He said sustainable development depended on strong institutions and effective governance, while a sound legislative framework would promote accountability, justice, investment and economic growth.

He identified the executive, legislature, judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, police and electoral bodies as institutions with constitutional responsibilities to enforce laws and deliver public services.

Mr Akano argued that weak institutions had created an environment where public officials could engage in corrupt practices without facing adequate consequences.He said this had contributed to the diversion of public funds and poor delivery of essential services such as healthcare, roads, water and electricity.

The NDC candidate also linked weak government institutions to rising crime and injustice, saying citizens and businesses could lose confidence in the judicial system when institutions fail to effectively perform their responsibilities.

According to him, this can discourage both domestic and foreign investment and limit economic activities.Reflecting on his experience as a contestant in last year’s Eti-Osa Local Government Area chairmanship election, Mr Akano said weaknesses in the electoral system could erode public confidence and contribute to political instability.

He also said poorly equipped security institutions had contributed to challenges such as banditry, terrorism, communal clashes and other forms of insecurity.

According to him, insecurity discourages investment in sectors such as agriculture, tourism and forestry.Mr Akano further argued that weak financial and regulatory institutions could discourage investment because investors require predictable business conditions and reliable legal and judicial systems.

He called for the speedy passage and implementation of economic reforms and legislation capable of creating jobs and strengthening socioeconomic activities.

He said effective legislation would help create a more robust and competitive economy, while weak legislative institutions could undermine social justice and leave citizens without adequate social protection.