WALE OGUNBANJO argues the need for government to adequately educate the public on major policy changes
One striking feature of public debate in Nigeria is not that citizens disagree — disagreement is healthy. The problem is that debates often begin before agreement on basic facts and concepts.
Facts describe reality. Opinions evaluate reality. Confusing the two creates endless arguments.
No two Nigerians should argue over whether Abuja is the capital of Nigeria — that is a fact. But they can disagree over whether Abuja has become an effective capital city — that is opinion. Facts should bring us together around a common understanding. Opinions then allow us to debate alternatives, challenge assumptions, and improve outcomes.
Unfortunately, many economic debates in Nigeria jump straight to judgment while skipping understanding. Concepts like exchange rate, subsidy, inflation, debt, and tariffs are treated as moral questions before they are understood as economic questions. The result: conversations become loud but not enlightening.
