A policy is a conscious structure of principles to guide decisions and achieve rational outcome. Policy, may apply to government, private sector organisations and groups as well as individuals. Policy differs from rules of laws. Law can compel or prohibit behaviour, policy merely guides actions towards those that are most likely to achieve a desired outcome. Often times, there appears to be no link between government as an institution and occupants of this institution. The case of transition within this institution is either taken as a change from institution or change from administration to another within the same government.
Since 1960, Nigeria has been experiencing government as an institution that changes political forms. This explains why government policies fail with transiting government. The policy of government is inspired by party influence, personal or ethnic lines. It is often said that government is a variety, which means continuity is a bedrock of a successful government. National development in itself is not realisable outside government commitment to the cause of a nation. But it has been established that Nigeria is backward today because of instability in policies. In other words, government plays a huge role in the progress of a country.
The country is only one year away from 2020, yet the Vision 2020 is yet to be actualised. This simply explains lack of continuity, improvement and consolidation on good policies. It is, therefore, high time government officials had national interest at heart when formulating policies. They should always be a forum for the consideration of already existing policies before implementing new ones. By doing so, the human and financial cost of pursuing distinct policy or programme from previous policies can be reformed to meet desired goals. Emphasis must be placed on continuity in policies as such move will aid smooth and effective administration. Government must rise above political bias. It is better to continue to reform, rebrand and reshape than to totally abolish, abandon or condemn existing policies. Government is better seen as an institution than the people that occupy the institution.
Tahir Mohammed,
Mass Communication Department,
University of Maiduguri
