Industrialization is a major characteristic of
a developed nation. In fact, no nation is
said to be developed without a huge
presence of industrialization. Most
developing countries are striving to
increase their level of industrialization but
is so unfortunate that Nigeria is still far
behind. This is mainly due to the high level
of past corrupt leaders of the nation.
Industrialization is like a breath of oxygen
to a nation, without it a nation can end up
as a dead country. Industrialization
improves a country’s economy.
What is Industrialization?
Industrialization can simply be defined as a
country’s economy transition from an
agrarian economy to an industrial
(manufacturing) economy. Manual labour
done by individuals is replaced by
machines for mass production, assembly
lines replaces craftsmen. Economic growth
is a major characteristic of
industrialization. The use of technological
innovation and more distribution of labour
efficiently is also a major characteristics of
industrialization.
Industrial Revolution
Industrial revolution is the first
transformation from an agricultural
economy to a mechanized one.
The first stage of Industrial revolution took
place from the mid 18th to early 19th
century in North America and certain areas
of Europe. Industrialization started from the
Great Britain, then Belgium followed by
Germany before France. This early stage
were characterized by technological
progress, movement from rural work to
industrial labour, investing financially in
industrial structure, and early improvements
on theories and development in class
consciousness.
The second stage of industrialization
revolution can be trace to the mid
nineteenth century after the steam engine
was refined, internal combustion engine
was invented, the construction of railways,
electric power lines, canals and harnessing
of electricity.
The industrial revolution led to a mass
expansion of wealth among people, it also
led to well being, increased specialization
of labour, and allowed cities to
accommodate larger population.
By the end of the twentieth century East
Asia as become an industrialized part of
the world. Notably also, Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa also known
as the BRICS states underwent
industrialization process during this period.
Most of those countries especially Russia
and China are now fully industrialized.
The Scenario of Nigeria
Shortly after independence the Nigerian
government started looking for ways to get
the country industrialized. The government
formulated a four years national
development plan than from 1962 to 1968.
The plan was to strengthen the
manufacturing sector of the economy.
Because of lack of implementation and the
Nigerian civil, the plan never saw the light
of the day. Successive government had
made various efforts to industrialize the
country but because of the high level of
corruption the country is still lagging
behind in terms of industrialization.
Nigeria is a country filled with a lot of
intellectual brains, if given the enabling
environment can bring about the much
needed industrialization to the country. The
government should grant access to credit
for individuals that can contribute to the
technological improvement of the nation.
The government should try as much as
possible to encourage the use of home
made goods in order to improve
productivity.
What Nigeria needs the most is the zeal
and willingness for our political leaders to
successfully formulate and implement
policies that would bring the adequate and
much needed industrialization to the
country. This can only be achieved by a
very clear economic vision and strategic
development which should also involve the
private sector.
