Nigeria’s problem not lack of talent but misallocation — El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said Nigeria’s challenges are not due to a shortage of talent but rather the misallocation of its human resources.
Speaking on the country’s economic and governance issues, El-Rufai argued that many of Nigeria’s brightest minds are often concentrated in non-productive or rent-seeking sectors instead of being deployed to areas that drive innovation, industrial growth and economic development.
According to him, this imbalance has contributed significantly to the country’s underperformance, despite its vast pool of skilled and capable individuals.
He stressed the need for deliberate policies that channel talent into productive sectors such as manufacturing, technology, education and entrepreneurship, where they can have a more meaningful impact on national growth.
El-Rufai also highlighted the importance of institutional reforms, merit-based appointments and a shift in national priorities to maximise the potential of Nigeria’s human capital.
Observers say the remarks add to ongoing debates about economic restructuring, governance efficiency and the need to create an enabling environment for productivity and innovation.
