In 1999, as a wide-eyed 16-year-old boy, I watched General Olusegun Obasanjo sworn in as Nigeria’s first democratically elected president since my birth. The air was thick with hope, as democracy promised to usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigeria and its people. Fast forward a quarter of a century, and that dream feels like a costly mirage, especially for the average Nigerian.
Nigeria, like many African nations, has wrestled with the triple-headed monster of governance, economic stagnation, and crumbling infrastructure. We’ve had our moments of progress post-1999—take Obasanjo’s first eight years, for instance. His administration pushed through significant reforms that triggered economic growth on a scale Nigeria hadn’t seen in decades.
But as with many good things, it didn’t last. The growth was far from inclusive, the reforms weren’t sustained by subsequent administrations, and by 2007, the seeds of political patronage sown earlier had taken root in Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.
This brand of politics, fondly referred to as “Stomach Infrastructure,” became a staple in Nigerian governance. In place of meaningful investments in education, healthcare, roads, or power plants, politicians engaged in short-term, often personal, distributions of money or goods to win favor with voters.
This system of government handouts, often drenched in corruption, has become the hallmark of Nigerian politics—a tragic comedy, where the punch line always comes at the expense of the common man.
Let’s narrow our focus to Benue State, the heart of Nigeria, a land teeming with rich culture, fertile soil, and a resilient populace. Despite its natural gifts, Benue has been plagued by underdevelopment, largely fueled by a governance system that thrives on political patronage. A state with a rich history of agricultural prowess and self-sufficiency has seen a steady decline in productivity and food security.
Twenty-five years of “stomach infrastructure” have trapped the society in a vicious cycle of dependency, internal displacement, hunger, and hopelessness. The political leaders and elite of Benue have weaponized patronage, government irresponsibility, and corruption, keeping most of its citizens in a state of poverty and deprivation.
The history of political patronage in Benue is a deep rabbit hole that we won’t venture into today. Instead, let’s talk about what’s happening now, under the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia. Recently, I had a chat with a good friend—a typical session where we dissect everything happening in Nigeria, particularly Benue. When I asked about the current state of affairs under Governor Alia, my friend gave me the lowdown. It turns out the governor has transformed Benue into a massive construction site, with roads and bridges popping up all over the state capital and local governments. But not everyone is thrilled. There are complaints that the governor is difficult to reach, doesn’t dole out money, and is simply wasting funds on meaningless infrastructure projects. Some even accuse him of running the state like a Catholic Parish.
It’s clear that since taking office, Governor Alia has prioritized infrastructure over political patronage. He’s reportedly stated that he didn’t become governor to “share money.” In a state that has suffered from untold neglect, one would think this focus on infrastructure would be welcomed. After all, by investing in lasting projects, the government is laying the foundation for sustainable development, breaking the cycle of dependency, and promoting self- sufficiency among the people of Benue. But not everyone agrees.
Some critics argue that the governor is inaccessible and undemocratic. Even within his own party, the APC, “stakeholders” have complained that he hasn’t “carried the party along” in his administration. Meanwhile, the opposition PDP criticizes him for allegedly wasting money on irrelevant, expensive projects that won’t be completed. Despite this, Governor Alia’s supporters believe he can do no wrong. They commend his shift towards infrastructure development, timely payment of salaries, and the clearing of backlog from the previous administration, proudly proclaiming, “The Alia, the better.”
It’s important to unpack these criticisms. The claim that the governor has not “carried the party along” seems to be a euphemism for not engaging in the usual political patronage. But let’s set aside the politics and focus on the substance of Governor Alia’s infrastructural initiatives over the past fourteen months.
Benue’s journey towards development is fraught with challenges. The legacy of political patronage has left deep scars. Overcoming this requires not just investment but a cultural shift towards valuing long-term gains over short-term gratification. Infrastructure is often hailed as the backbone of any thriving economy. Roads, bridges, electricity, and public facilities are essential for commerce, communication, and daily life. In Benue, the recent focus on infrastructure has led to improved transportation networks, better access to markets for farmers, and enhanced public services rode health and education.
The benefits are clear: economic growth through job creation, increased productivity, and the attraction of investment. Socially, improved infrastructure fosters community integration, enhances security, and raises the standard of living. But how does this translate into real-life impact?
Imagine two scenarios in a typical Benue community:
Scenario A: The government invests in a new road connecting the community to larger markets. Farmers can now easily transport their produce, increasing their income and reducing post-harvest losses.
Scenario B: A politician visits the community during an election campaign, distributing bags of rice and small amounts of cash to residents. A few individuals receive the goods, but the rest of the community remains unaffected.
Scenario A represents traditional infrastructure investment, while Scenario B is a classic example of handouts and political patronage. The key differences and their implications are stark. Traditional infrastructure development, like building roads or power plants, has long- lasting effects. These projects can serve communities for decades, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life. In contrast, handouts provide only temporary relief. Once the rice is eaten or the money is spent, the community is back where it started.
Real infrastructure creates economic multipliers that stimulate economic activity by creating jobs, improving transportation networks, and attracting investment. Infrastructure development remains one of the most effective forms of government spending that injects liquidity into the economy. A new road doesn’t just benefit those who drive on it; it can lead to new businesses opening, existing ones expanding, and overall economic activity increasing.
In Benue, increased government spending on bridges, roads, and electricity means that a significant percentage of the construction costs will be spent locally hiring and paying for labor, procuring construction materials, and supporting local businesses. This multiplier effect creates jobs and injects money into the state’s economy, fostering a cycle of growth that extends far beyond the immediate project.
Moreover, traditional infrastructure empowers communities by providing tools for self- improvement. Better roads can help farmers get goods to market; reliable electricity can enable small businesses to operate more efficiently, and improved water systems can enhance public health. Handouts, on the other hand, foster dependency. Recipients may come to rely on these handouts, weakening their motivation to pursue long-term solutions to poverty.
While infrastructure projects in Nigeria often face challenges with corruption, they are at least tangible and can be monitored. Citizens can see whether a promised road has been built or not. Patronage is much harder to track, making it ripe for abuse and misuse of public funds. A system where a few become rich on public funds without enterprise kills productivity.
Real infrastructure benefits entire communities, potentially reducing inequality, fostering a sense of shared progress, and enhancing the safety and security of residents. It facilitates better security operations and enables quicker response times for law enforcement and emergency services. Handouts often target specific individuals or groups, exacerbating social divisions and fueling resentment and insecurity.
Infrastructure projects drive innovation and skill development. They require engineering expertise, project management skills, and can lead to the growth of local construction and maintenance industries. Patronage and handouts don’t contribute to skill development or technological advancement.
A location with well-developed physical infrastructure is more attractive to local and international investors. Good roads and reliable electricity contribute to a better business environment. Patronage does nothing to improve Benue’s investment climate and has even deterred investors who see it as a sign of systemic corruption.
Benue, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” benefits immensely from infrastructure that supports agriculture. Improved irrigation systems, access to markets, and storage facilities help farmers increase their yield and reduce post-harvest losses.
Despite the advantages of infrastructure development over political patronage, the latter remains a persistent feature of Benue politics. The answer lies in a complex web of factors, including immediate voter gratification, entrenched patronage systems, and short-term political thinking. For a politician focused on winning the next election, handing out cash now may seem more effective than constructing a road that won’t be completed for years.
Moreover, handouts and patronage can be symptoms of deeper societal issues, including poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and weak institutions. When people are struggling to meet their basic needs, they may be more inclined to accept immediate assistance, even if it’s at the expense of long-term progress.
However, this cycle of dependency is not sustainable. It ultimately leaves communities underdeveloped, governments strained, and citizens disillusioned. The challenge is for both leaders and citizens to break free from this cycle, recognizing that the real dividends of democracy lie in long-term investments like infrastructure, education, and health.
Governor Alia’s approach of prioritizing roads and bridges over handouts and political patronage presents an opportunity for Benue to chart a new path forward. But for this to be successful, the people of Benue must also shift their expectations and demand lasting, meaningful development over short-term gains.
As Governor Alia’s tenure progresses, it will be crucial to watch how these infrastructure projects are implemented, monitored, and maintained. Transparent governance, community engagement, and the involvement of all stakeholders—not just a few party men—will be key to ensuring that these investments translate into real progress for Benue.
On the whole, Benue stands at a crossroads, faced with a choice that will shape its future for generations to come. The decision between investing in roads and bridges or continuing the cycle of handouts and patronage is more than a mere policy consideration—it’s a referendum on the values and vision of the Benue people. While the road ahead is undoubtedly long and challenging, early signs suggest that Governor Alia’s focus on infrastructure development may indeed be the right path forward.
Governor Alia’s commitment to breaking the cycle of dependency, his consistency in timely salary payments, and his efforts to clear backlogs from previous administrations all point to a promising shift in governance. These early indicators suggest that for the Benue State we see today—a state grappling with the legacy of years of neglect and mismanagement—Alia’s approach may well be the breath of fresh air it so desperately needs.
Of course, challenges remain. The resistance from those accustomed to the old ways of political patronage will not dissipate overnight. The success of this new direction will depend on continued transparency, effective implementation of projects, and the sustained support of the Benue people.
However, if these early positive signs are any indication of what’s to come, there’s reason for optimism. As Benue journeys through this crucial juncture in its history with God’s priest in lead, the evidence increasingly suggests that “The Alia” is indeed “the better” path forward. For a state in dire need of transformative leadership and sustainable development, it appears that Governor Alia’s infrastructure-focused approach may be just what Benue needs to unlock its vast potential and secure a brighter future for all its citizens. The path may be challenging but we would all be better to it – The Alia the Better!
About the author:
Verse Shom is a Professor of Practice for Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship at Tulane University’s School of Architecture in New Orleans, LA, USA.