A’Ibom aspirant faults poor policy implementation

A public health expert and House of Representatives aspirant for Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency,  under the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Idongesit Wilson, has said Nigeria’s problem is not the absence of laws or policies, but the failure to effectively implement them.

Wilson, who spoke during a media interaction with journalists in Uyo on Friday, stressed that capacity building within the public service remains the missing link.

He called for urgent and deliberate training of public servants as a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s long-standing implementation gap in governance, noting that without properly trained and result-oriented personnel, even the most well-crafted policies would continue to deliver little or no impact on citizens.

“Nigeria doesn’t lack policies — the real problem is implementation. Without properly trained and result-oriented personnel, even the most well-crafted policies will continue to deliver little or no impact on citizens,” he said.

The medical doctor-turned-public health advocate maintained that beyond drafting new legislation, governments at all levels must focus on equipping public servants with the skills, orientation, and accountability frameworks needed to deliver results.

He said the current system often places emphasis on creating policies without ensuring that those responsible for execution understand the objectives and are properly monitored.

He added, “We must train public servants to drive policy implementation and ensure the right people are in the right places.”

Wilson, who is seeking to represent Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, noted that his experience in the health sector has exposed him to the consequences of weak systems, especially at the primary healthcare level.

He stressed that strengthening primary healthcare begins with deploying qualified personnel to the grassroots, adding that poor first-contact care often leads to avoidable complications.

“The first point of care is critical. If the initial intervention is wrong, it creates a chain of problems,” he said.

The aspirant also highlighted the importance of public health awareness, insisting that prevention through education and early detection remains one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing disease burden in Nigeria.

Drawing from real-life experiences, he recounted cases of individuals who suffered severe health outcomes due to a lack of awareness about conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

“Awareness is the first intervention. People need to know what to do for themselves,” he said.

Beyond healthcare, Wilson identified education and economic empowerment as key drivers of sustainable development in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, which covers Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas.

He emphasised the need to move beyond certificate-based education to practical and vocational training that equips young people with employable skills and entrepreneurial capacity.

The aspirant also advocated targeted support for small-scale businesses, particularly market women, noting that modest financial grants and proper follow-up could significantly expand local economies.

On governance, he called for a shift in mindset among both leaders and citizens, stressing that development can only occur when stakeholders prioritise collective interest over personal gain.

Wilson further underscored the role of advocacy in engaging institutions and multinational organisations operating within host communities, urging structured partnerships that guarantee long-term benefits for local populations.

He maintained that with deliberate planning, local youths can be positioned to take up strategic roles in industries operating within their communities over time.