The graphic below is taken from the the 2009 Annul report of the UK’s Department for International Development. This section is in the annex that can be accessed here, and the whole report can be assessed here. Unlike in our country where these things are hidden in drawers in the FMOH, this report is put in the public domain so that the British taxpayers (Including thousands of Nigerians) can see what their money is being spent on. In 2009, the British taxpayers through DFID spent about £110.5 million pounds on the motherland.
The conclusion is so damning of our reality that we reproduce it in detail below…
Nigeria is off track to meet all the MDGs, and Northern Nigeria has the world’s worst human development indicators outside conflict and post-conflict zones. Aid to Nigeria accounts for less than 1% of GDP, so helping Nigeria’s government spend its own resources more effectively is critical to reducing poverty. DFID works through a joint strategy with the World Bank and USAID, focusing on systemic reform at federal level and in a number of states to help Nigeria tackle its 3 major constraints to achieving the MDGs: mismanagement of oil revenue; weak accountability mechanisms; low non-oil growth.
When we are console ourselves for on our perceived importance on the continent, on the new 10 lane express way being built from Abuja city to Abuja airport, on seeking a permanent seat at the UN, it is important to remind ourselves where we are on the issues that really matter.
WE must get these indicators to shine green! We can!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has…Margaret Mead