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A letter from the Diaspora By King Wale AdeSanya
Introduction:
At the Breakfast meeting with Prof. Abel U. Udoh, a HydroBiologist, this morning in Ankara, we discussed the addiction of the Nigerian Government to the American lifestyle and partnership while discounting the great potential that a country like Turkiye has to offer Nigeria in terms of an easier win-win partnership and knowledge transfers. An example of collaboration is in road construction and healthcare systems.
Private Public Partnership (PPP) and the Cluster System have emerged as valuable strategies for economic development and growth in various countries. This article explores the successful implementation of these approaches in Turkiye and how Nigeria can learn from them. With a focus on Turkiye’s experience, we will delve into the advantages of PPP and the cluster system and identify key lessons that Nigeria can apply to unlock its economic potential.
1. Understanding Private Public Partnership (PPP):
Private Public Partnership (PPP) is a cooperative arrangement between the government and private sectors, aimed at bridging the gap between public resources and necessary infrastructure development. Under PPP, the government and private entities contribute resources, share risks, and jointly manage projects. In Turkiye, the PPP model has been extensively used in sectors such as transportation, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure, leading to significant economic growth.
2. The Cluster System in Turkiye:
Turkiye’s cluster system is a framework that brings together companies operating in related industries within a geographical area to promote cooperation, innovation, and competitiveness. Clusters facilitate the development of value chains, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among firms, leading to increased productivity, foreign direct investment (FDI), and job creation. Turkey’s cluster development approach has successfully strengthened industries such as automotive, textiles, electronics, and tourism.
Lessons for Nigeria:
a) Infrastructure Development:
Turkiye has effectively utilized PPP models for infrastructure development. Nigeria can learn from Turkiye’s experience by encouraging private sector involvement in infrastructure projects, such as roads, airports, and power generation. This approach could help address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and attract much-needed foreign investment.
b) Coordinated Industrial Clusters:
Nigeria can benefit from implementing the cluster system to promote collaboration and competitiveness within specific industries. By creating clusters that bring together related businesses, Nigeria can foster innovation, value chain development, and technology transfer. This strategy can boost productivity, attract FDI, and create employment opportunities.
c) Regulatory Framework and Incentives:
Turkiye’s success in PPP and cluster development can be attributed, in part, to a supportive regulatory framework and attractive incentives for private sector participation. Nigeria should prioritize creating clear and favorable regulations and incentives that encourage private-sector engagement. Offering tax incentives, streamlined approval processes, and guarantees for project finance can attract private sector interest.
d) Stakeholder Engagement:
Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for successful PPP and cluster initiatives. Nigeria should focus on building a conducive environment for dialogue and collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society. Encouraging regular consultations and incorporating feedback from stakeholders can ensure transparent decision-making and sustainable implementation.
Conclusion:
Turkiye’s experience with PPP and the cluster system offers valuable insights into Nigeria’s economic development. By embracing PPP models for infrastructure development, actively promoting industry clusters, implementing favorable legal frameworks, and fostering stakeholder engagement, Nigeria can unlock its economic potential, attract investment, and drive sustainable growth. Learning from Turkiye’s successes, Nigeria has the opportunity to position itself as a thriving economy in the global landscape.
King Wale AdeSanya is the National Chairman of the Nigerian and Canadian Business Network https://www.ncbn.ca in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He can be reached at King@ncbn.ca
Peoplesmind
