by Deborah Oyewole
Nigeria is tagged as the “Giant of Africa.” Nigeria is a multiethnic country with over 520 different languages spoken. While English is the official language, the country’s other significant languages are Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
Nigeria has the continent’s largest economy. By 2050, it is expected to be among the top 10 economies on the planet. In addition, Nigeria is rich in natural resources, such as oil and gas. The country has the continent’s greatest natural gas reserves and is Africa’s leading oil and gas producer.
Nigeria is highly blessed with natural resources and fertile land. We have more than enough resources that can be equally enjoyed throughout the whole state and by every country’s citizens. Yet, vividly, Nigeria suffers a particular attribute which is “Social Justice.”
This article will majorly focus on Social Justice as the pathway to sustainability.
Despite variations in physical characteristics, opinions, and behavior, social justice is defined as equitable opportunities, rights, and responsibilities. It is a global and diverse problem that seeks to improve people’s treatment and equality.
The idea of social justice, both historically and theoretically, is that everyone, regardless of their legal, political, economic, or other circumstances, should have equal access to wealth, health, well-being, justice, privileges, and opportunity.
Leadership, management, and continuous self-centeredness are at the basis of the fundamental dilemma of social justice. When the interests of specific groups and cliques gain from certain leaders and are serviced rather than the interests of an entire community or society, desire triumphs over providing people with the love and care they deserve. The issue of social justice is at stake.
People “are not to be discriminated against, nor their welfare and well-being constrained or prejudiced based on gender, sexuality, religion, political affiliations, age, race, belief, disability, location, social class, socioeconomic circumstances, or any other characteristic of background or group membership” in a social justice environment.
Principles of Social Justice
Some essential elements are meant to be joined together to achieve the true meaning of social justice. The primary principles of social justice are:
- Equity
- Access
- Participation
- Rights
Now, let’s try and have a clear understanding of what each principle means.
Equity
Many people mistakenly believe that one of the elements of social justice is “equality” when it is actually “equity.” So what’s the difference between the two? Equity considers the repercussions of prejudice and strives for a level playing field.
Equality gives everyone the same resources irrespective of their differences. Equality does not care about each person’s capability. No! All equality centers on providing the same resources for everyone regardless of their individual needs and expectations.
Here is a pictorial illustration of equity and equality.
In the above-illustrated picture, three individuals are trying to see over a bar. But each individual has their differences which might be a determinant factor in seeing over the bar. Even if the tallest person doesn’t need it and the tiniest person can’t see, “equality” offers everyone one box to stand on. The favoured individual is not given any boxes by “equity.” Instead, the person in the center receives one package, and the person, in the end, gets two. Everyone is now on an equal footing.
Access
Access to necessities such as shelter, food, and education is critical for a just society. However, individuals, communities, and society suffer when access is denied based on gender, color, or class criteria. Social justice activists seek to expand and restore access, ensuring that everyone has equal access to a good life.
In Nigeria, there is high discrimination in access. Some people have increased access to basic amenities, while others are only open to remnants of faulty amenities. In a country like Nigeria, ’s method of governance has restricted citizen’s access to a lot of extras. And this is why there is high insecurity in the country. A lot of citizens die, suffer, and wallow in the syndrome of neglect by the government.
It is in a country like Nigeria that some states will have full access to all basic amenities. But, at the same time, a more significant percentage of the remaining population will need to struggle to even taste a little of the amenities. In such a nation, how can frustration and depression be managed without causing havoc to the neighborhood??
Participation
If only a few voices are heard, social fairness will be impossible to achieve. Unfortunately, this is frequently the case, and the voices of the underprivileged and vulnerable are often ignored as a result. Even if society attempts to solve problems, solutions will fail if those most affected are unable to engage in the process.
Participation must be encouraged and rewarded for everyone, especially those who have never spoken before, to have an opportunity to talk.
Rights
Over time, the link between social justice and human rights has grown stronger. Activists and governments have realized that one cannot live without the other. When a society is just, everyone’s human rights are protected and respected. Human rights are universally recognized. Therefore this relationship is critical. Various treaties aid in the accountability of governments.
Meaning of Social Justice
The term “social justice” refers to the respect and protection of everyone’s human rights. Everyone has the same chances. This does not imply that society will be perfect or that everyone will be happy all of the time. Everyone, on the other hand, will have an opportunity to live the life they desire.
Social justice is a notion that encompasses a wide range of disciplines. Moreover, because scholars have attempted to define it in favor of their different intellectual prejudices, its conceptual bounds are constantly shifting. However, a modern interpretation of the phrase that refers to achieving equal opportunities and life chances provides an abstract ideal capable of generating the necessary agreement for a long-term social market economy.
The United Nations definition of social justice says, “Social justice may be broadly understood as the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.”
. Accordingly, Coninck, Culp, and Taylor (2013) explained social justice as a political concept as it deals with the nature and structure of the state, an economic idea as it is concerned with equal distribution of goods and services within a society and again, as an ethical concept because it is grounded on the ethical framework.
Concerning the four principles of social justice, it is possible to have a nation of great social justice. First, we need to look at some of the issues that can sum up to social injustice. Once we can identify them, we will know how to avoid them to have a peaceful nation.
Corruption, as a social justice issue, must be addressed from a legal standpoint. However, providing a shared playground for citizens is the first step toward resolving the corruption problem.