In a typical Nigerian household, families pay for fuel to generate electricity, sink boreholes for water, contribute to neighbourhood security, and struggle to pay school and hospital bills. They also pay taxes, yet they often find themselves without access to basic services that they should be able to expect from the government. According to a theory by a Nigerian gardener, this disconnect may be linked to voting. Kunle Olawunmi, writing for Tribune Online, presents this gardener’s perspective on the politics of public poverty. The gardener, who goes by the name of Ade, believes that the harvest of a garden reflects the level of care and attention it has received. Similarly, Ade argues that the state of public services in Nigeria is a reflection of the level of attention and care given by the government. Ade posits that when citizens vote for leaders who prioritize public services, they are essentially sowing the seeds for a better harvest. However, he laments that many Nigerians, especially the poor, are often disenfranchised and do not have the opportunity to vote. Ade’s theory, while not scientific, provides a unique perspective on the connection between voting and public services in Nigeria. For many Nigerians, access to basic services is a daily struggle, and understanding the politics behind this phenomenon is crucial. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s poverty rate increased from 40.1% in 2019 to 40.5% in 2020. This highlights the urgent need for solutions to address public poverty in Nigeria. The gardener’s theory may not offer a comprehensive solution, but it provides food for thought for Nigerians who are frustrated with the state of public services in the country.
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