Shamsuddeen Usman seeks implementation of public policies in new book

Shamsuddeen Usman, ministry of finance incorporated (MOFI) board chair, has published a book on policy dynamics.

The book is titled: ‘Public Policy and Agent Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World’.

The launch held on Thursday at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Usman said some policies are formulated with a lack of commitment to implement or a lack of continuity, and some arise from vested interests.

“I looked in very deeply at a number of issues, some of the things that I tried to do as minister, or as a deputy governor at the central bank, how successful have these been? Where have they not been successful and what are the reasons why we’ve not been successful?” he asked.

“And hopefully that should be a learning point for both people who are on the job currently as well as people who are coming behind.”

Usman also recounted his experience growing up, adding that God has blessed him in so many ways.

In his review, Joe Abah, a former director-general of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), described the publication as insightful and a robust research material for intellectuals and students alike.

He also said the challenge with Nigeria “is not in making policies but the intent for policy formulation”.

“To my mind, therefore, Public Policy and Agent Interests puts its finger right on the issue ailing Nigeria: those entrusted with the power to serve the public interest have decided to serve their own interests instead,” Abah said.

“Because of that, leadership at all levels is not people-centred, politics has primacy over every facet of life, the rule of law is compromised, and things that are designed are not implemented because they were never meant to be. 

“This argument is compelling, and the book draws from the rich experience of Dr Usman who was both minister of finance and minister of national planning, as well as the insights of many other experts who looked at the ‘Agency problem’ through the lens of evidence-based policy making, policy formulation, fiscal management, monetary policy, the international governance environment, vested interests in government and more.”

Abah also said the book “manages to treat very complex issues in a practical and relatable way”.

“This book steps into this gap in a very powerful and provocative way,” he added.

“It will be an invaluable resource for those interested in development economics, political science, public policy, governance and institutional change in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers.” 

Abah also thanked Usman and the contributors for undertaking the task of writing the book, saying it would help “shape government policy”.