As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to administer the oath of office to a new cohort of ministers, the halls of governance are poised to welcome accomplished individuals from diverse spheres of excellence. These new leaders, beacons of achievement in their respective domains, now stand at the precipice of an altogether different endeavour – the realm of public policy and administration. With their unique skills, experiences, and visions, they possess the potential to reshape the trajectory of our nation. However, it is imperative that they heed the wisdom of history, exemplified in Krugman’s “the great man’s disease,” which warns against complacency in traversing the complex landscape of public policy.
Public policy is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of societal needs, political dynamics, economic forces, and ethical considerations. The transition from accomplishments in private enterprise to public service necessitates a recalibration of perspective. While excellence in one domain is laudable, it is no guarantee of prowess in the other. The skills that drive business success may not seamlessly translate to the realm of public administration. Indeed, the corridors of power are replete with stories of esteemed professionals faltering in the face of complex public challenges.
To succeed in their ministerial roles, these new appointees must recognize the distinct nuances of public policy. They must approach their responsibilities with humility, acknowledging that a successful corporate playbook may not directly apply to governance. Public administration operates within a unique ecosystem where stakeholder interests are multifarious, and the repercussions of decisions ripple through the fabric of society. Hence, a departure from the allure of “the great man’s disease” is crucial. The hubris that success in one realm breeds expertise in another must be supplanted by an eagerness to learn anew.
In this journey of transition, a roadmap for success emerges through three interconnected pillars: comprehension, collaboration, and commitment.
Comprehension mandates an earnest study of the intricate interplay between policy choices and societal impact. The ministers must delve into the complexities of economic theory, social psychology, and ethical philosophy. They must engage with the latest research and expert opinions, forging an understanding of the holistic effects of their decisions. While their accomplishments may have been rooted in single-dimensional goals, public policy necessitates a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective.
Collaboration emerges as the crucible where diverse expertise converges to forge potent solutions. A successful business executive may have been at the helm of decision-making, but the ministers must now champion consensus-building. In the cacophony of political discourse, they must harmonize conflicting viewpoints, fostering an environment where the collective wisdom of experts converges. Collaboration extends beyond the confines of their ministries, involving civil society, academia, and international partners. By embracing a tapestry of perspectives, ministers can weave policies that resonate with the multifaceted fabric of society.
Yet, collaboration alone cannot suffice without a steadfast commitment to public value – a concept espoused by Mark Moore. Public value embodies the idea that governments exist to create societal benefits beyond individual preferences. Ministers must transcend personal agendas and short-term gains, directing their efforts toward the betterment of the populace. This requires a resolute dedication to transparency, accountability, and empathy. In defining and delivering public value, ministers must foster a culture of service, recognizing that their achievements will be measured not solely by shareholder returns but by the well-being of citizens.
To deliver public value optimally, these new ministers must embark on a voyage of introspection, adaptability, and strategic insight. They must distill their private sector acumen into a coherent framework for public service. By embracing humility as a guiding virtue, they can transcend the trappings of “the great man’s disease” and navigate the intricate tapestry of public policy.
As the dawn of a new era beckons, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s incoming ministers stand as torchbearers of hope and change. Their accomplishments outside of government lay a solid foundation, but the edifice of effective governance requires a different set of tools. Comprehension, collaboration, and commitment shall be their compass, guiding them through the labyrinthine corridors of policy formulation and implementation.
It is through their unwavering dedication to public value that these ministers will carve their legacy. Mark Moore’s concept encapsulates the essence of their mission – to create policies that resonate with the collective aspirations of the nation. In achieving this, they can transcend the limitations of past paradigms and usher in a new era of prosperity, equity, and societal well-being.
As they step into their roles, may these ministers bear in mind the wisdom of history, the complexities of public policy, and the imperative of public value. For in doing so, they shall illuminate the path toward a brighter future for our beloved nation.
