Abuja: Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has called for a paradigm shift in Africa’s development strategy, urging governments and institutions to place social justice at the center of economic growth. Osinbajo made the call at the Ford Foundation Office for West Africa (FFOWA) high-level anniversary celebration titled ‘FFOWA@65: From Nation Building to Social Justice’ in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Osinbajo emphasized that true progress should be measured not by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but by the well-being or quality of life of the citizens. He noted that although Africa is the fastest-growing continent in GDP terms, it remains the continent with the lowest overall quality of life. He argued that GDP growth does not necessarily translate to jobs or a decent life for citizens, highlighting the disconnect between economic statistics and citizens’ lived experiences.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chair of Nigeria’s Economic Management Team from 2016 to 2019, Osinbajo pointed out that when governments talk about growth, only big businesses, banks, and corporations understand those metrics, leaving citizens confused. He stated that development should start from the bottom up, not from the top down, and should be tied to the welfare of the majority of people.
Osinbajo stressed that true development must prioritize the welfare of the majority and argued that social justice ensures fair access to opportunities, protection of rights, and the resources needed to live a dignified life. He highlighted that inclusion and equality are drivers of growth and have transformed economies globally.
Speaking on climate justice, Osinbajo warned that climate change is a critical economic issue for Africa, with Nigeria among the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries globally. He cited that by 2050, Nigeria could have 9.4 million internal climate migrants, mostly poor rural farmers displaced by environmental changes. He called on global corporations responsible for carbon-intensive activities to fund adaptation efforts in vulnerable countries and stressed empowering communities affected by environmental degradation.
Osinbajo also linked good governance and anti-corruption measures to economic growth, sharing insights from his co-founding of the anti-corruption organization Integrity funded by FFOWA in 1994. He warned that unchecked corruption could cost Nigeria 37 percent of GDP by 2030, citing a PricewaterhouseCoopers report. He emphasized that anti-corruption programs are not just governance initiatives but social justice programs that protect public resources and strengthen businesses.
Osinbajo reiterated that Africa’s greatest wealth lies in its people and emphasized that policies, budgets, and reforms should address the needs of the majority to lay the foundation for genuine progress. He congratulated FFOWA on its 65th anniversary in West Africa and commended the foundation’s commitment to advancing social justice and strengthening democracy across the region.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, commended Ford Foundation for its partnership and described the anniversary as timely for deepening collaboration on inclusive development. He stated that the current administration has stabilized macroeconomic fundamentals and aims to translate that stability into local prosperity through a data-driven plan.
Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, the Regional Director of FFOWA, highlighted that the foundation has supported a wide array of initiatives since its inception in Lagos in 1960. She emphasized that the foundation’s legacy is not just defined by monetary grants but by the spirit of partnership and the journey of constant learning and courage.
Martn Abregu, Senior Vice President of the Foundation, noted that while the Ford Foundation began in the United States, its mission has evolved into a global pursuit of social justice. He praised West Africa as a source of inspiration for the Foundation, noting the creativity of its youth and the resilience of its civil society.