Muhammad Dattijo unveils book, on rethinking Governance to Work for the Poor in Germany

Former Senatorial Candidate in Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Economic Expert Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo has launched a 255 pages book he authored titled; “Disruption: Rethinking Governance to Work for the Poor,” Sunday, in Berlin, Germany.

In a statement signed by Ahmed Maiyaki, Media and Communication lead for the event and issued to the media, said the book foreword was written by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and was published by Almara Publishers, led by Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, Wife of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The book tackles the pressing issue of creating a government that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society, aiming to bring about meaningful change and social equality. It challenges conventional thinking about governance and presents innovative approaches to address the needs of the present.”

The statement quoted the Author of the book, Muhammad Dattijo, commending President Tinubu for the bold step in ending the subsidy regime, with an excerpt from the book that correctly addresses Nigeria’s current subsidy removal, “The subsidy regimes have been rigged to benefit a small class of business persons working with a few corrupt public officials against the interest of majority citizens. It can thus be argued that the biggest beneficiaries are not those in need of them.” 

Muhammad Dattijo, therefore advocated that the subsidies have to free up revenues for social protection, which is a politically risky proposition, especially because of the wide chasm of distrust between citizens and government over the years. He further argued that for the markets to work and productivity to rise, we must ensure that the poor, the socially excluded, and the vulnerable benefit from the well-designed programs that cushion the effects of government decisions.”

On the choice of Germany as the venue for the book launch, the statement said; the book intends to project Nigeria and Africa in new parts of Europe that aren’t traditionally considered as Germany leads on renewables and has been increasing its investments in Africa.

Dignitaries attended the book launch well, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Diplomats, several German CEOs, EU and German Government Officials, Civil Society Groups, and Academia. 

Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tuggar, commended the Author, his time at the United Nations, and his decision to return to Nigeria to serve the administration of Mallam Nasir El-rufai’s government, under which the Author served in various capacities.

The ambassador urged more governments in Nigeria and worldwide to adopt some of the most innovative approaches to reforms recommended in the book, a detailed infusion of storytelling and real-time case studies on making small governments rethink governance to work for people with low incomes. 

The book launch featured a discussion with prominent international journalists, public policy experts in the field, and senior officials of the European Union, followed by a networking session over a cocktail, which provided an excellent opportunity for engagement, exchange of ideas, and exploring potential collaborations for further reforming government for the betterment of the less fortunate.

This groundbreaking book delves into the multifaceted dimensions of development, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies to drive progress. The authors shed light on the key factors that can catapult developing countries toward realizing the SDGs through rigorous research, case studies, and real-world examples.

From eradicating poverty and hunger to ensuring quality education, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth, the book explores diverse sectors and thematic areas critical to sustainable development. Examining the interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors provides a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities developing nations face.

“Accelerating SDG Achievements” goes beyond theoretical concepts, emphasizing actionable steps and innovative approaches that have yielded tangible results. It showcases successful initiatives and best practices from around the globe, highlighting the transformative potential of technology, partnership-building, and inclusive governance models.

The book also addresses the crucial role of international cooperation and the global community in supporting developing countries’ SDG journeys. It analyzes the importance of financial resources, technology transfer, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, advocating for a collective effort to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations.

Whether you are a policymaker, development practitioner, researcher, or concerned global citizen, “Accelerating SDG Achievements” is an indispensable guide to unlocking the potential of developing countries. It inspires readers to embrace a collaborative mindset, fostering sustainable development pathways that leave no one behind.

Another launch and book reading is scheduled to hold at a later date in July in Kaduna, Abuja, and Lagos. The book is available online and offline on Amazon and other major bookstores.