Former Nigerian Finance Minister Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman Presents Groundbreaking Book on Governance in Kano
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
In a powerful homecoming ceremony at Bayero University Kano (BUK), former Nigerian Finance Minister Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman presented his latest book, Public Policy and Agent Interest: Perspectives from the Emerging World, to an audience of academics, traditional leaders, and development professionals.
A Homecoming with Purpose
Though the book was formally launched in Abuja months earlier, Dr. Usman chose Kano—his birthplace and the foundation of his public service journey—for its first public presentation in Northern Nigeria. The event marked more than just a book launch; it represented a return to roots for one of Nigeria’s most respected economic minds.
“This is more than a presentation,” he said in his keynote address. “It is my way of returning home—not just with memories, but with ideas that can serve our people.”
Diagnosing Nigeria’s Governance Crisis
Drawing from his extensive experience at the Federal Ministry of Finance, National Planning Commission, and engagements with international financial institutions, Dr. Usman offered a frank assessment of Nigeria’s development challenges. He explained the concept of the principal-agent problem—where public officials (agents) prioritize personal interests over their duty to serve the people (principals).
“This book is about the broken promise between government and citizens. What we call in Hausa, rashin rikon amana [breach of trust],” Dr. Usman stated.
Personal Experiences with National Implications
The former minister shared insights from his time as Finance Minister, particularly the struggle to establish the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund—an initiative aimed at securing the country’s oil wealth for future generations that faced fierce political opposition.
“That fight wasn’t just about economics. It was about values—about choosing between national interest and personal interest,” he recalled, highlighting the tension between policy and politics that forms a central theme of the book.
The Human Cost of Failed Governance
Dr. Usman connected these national issues to local realities in Kano, pointing to:
- Alarming rates of out-of-school children
- Decaying urban infrastructure
- Eroding trust in public institutions among youth
“When our youths see a system that rewards connections over competence, they don’t just lose faith—they lose direction,” he warned, describing this as the most damaging consequence of governance failures.
A Blueprint for Change
The book, co-authored with notable figures including Dr. Yemi Kale and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, proposes a four-point development framework:
- Demand transparency – Citizens must insist on access to government data and spending
- Challenge vested interests – Society must support honest leaders and confront corruption
- Rebuild the social contract – Citizens should fulfill civic duties while demanding quality services
- Engage actively – Everyone must act against injustice in some capacity
Dr. Usman cited a prophetic Hadith as moral guidance: “If you see evil, change it with your hand. If not, speak out. If not, reject it in your heart—that is the weakest of faith.”
Building for the Future
The event also served as the public launch of the Shamsuddeen Usman Foundation, established by his children with focus areas in:
- Education
- Health
- Information Technology
“We cannot just criticize the past—we must build the future. That is why this Foundation exists: to give our children the tools to lead,” Dr. Usman explained.
A Call to Civic Action
Closing his presentation, Dr. Usman emphasized that Public Policy and Agent Interest is more than an academic work—it’s a practical guide for citizens to reclaim their role in governance.
“This book is for you. It is a guide to demand the accountability and dignity every Nigerian deserves. Let us work together to mend this broken promise,” he urged the audience.
As applause filled the hall, the message was clear: Nigeria’s transformation depends not on its leaders alone, but on the active engagement of its citizens.
Full credit to the original publisher: Kano Focus