By Aderogba George
A public affairs analyst, Mr Olusegun Babalola, has called for stronger integration of Nigeria’s cultural values into governance and economic planning, saying it could strengthen institutional development and national cohesion.
Babalola, in a statement on Friday, said Section 21 of the 1999 Constitution, under the “Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy,” had not been fully harnessed for national development.
Section 21 provides that the state shall protect, preserve and promote Nigerian cultures that enhance human dignity, and encourage the development of scientific and technological studies that support cultural values.
According to him, integrating Nigeria’s cultural values into governance and economic planning could support stronger institutions and improve national cohesion.
The analyst, who is also a member of Afenifere and the Social Democratic Party, said the provision had often been misunderstood and underutilised in national policy formulation.
He said many successful countries had combined aspects of their historical and cultural systems with modern governance structures to achieve economic transformation.
Babalola cited countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, noting that their development models reflected varying degrees of alignment between cultural heritage and modern institutions.
He also said Nigeria’s cultural systems, including traditional institutions, could play greater roles in governance and accountability if properly integrated into the constitutional framework.
The analyst added that Section 21 should not be viewed only in symbolic terms, but as a policy guide for strengthening local governance and development outcomes.
He further said Nigeria’s development challenges required renewed focus on the principles contained in Chapter II of the Constitution, including social justice, welfare and economic participation.
Babalola referenced ongoing debates on governance reforms and called for greater alignment between constitutional provisions and practical development strategies.
He urged policymakers to deepen efforts toward constitutional interpretation that supports economic growth, institutional accountability and social development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution outlines Nigeria’s fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, which serve as guiding principles for governance but are not justiciable. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Tosin Kolade
