GROWTH ON ITS OWN IS NOT AN ASSURANCE OF PEOPLE-CENTRED DEVELOPMENT

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Economic Growth:

Let’s start with what economic growth is....
Economic growth can be seen as increase in economic output of goods and services within a period of time (say one year), usually measured as the market value of these good and services. It is, in other words, an increase in aggregate productivity in an economy (country).
Economic growth, crucial as it is for generating the resources necessary for better living in any country, is not an assurance, on its own, of people-centred development. People-centred development is an approach to international development that focuses on improving self-reliance of local communities, social justice, and participatory decision-making.

Economic Growth and People-Centred (Human) Development:

It is important to state here that economic growth does not, on its own, translate to human development. This is because, there must be social, political, and environmental values and practice put in place to achieve it. Human development involves the enlargement of freedom of the people and their opportunities, and the improvement of their wellbeing. It is about enriching human lives rather than the economy, with major focus on people and their choices and opportunities.
There can be growth without development, as is observed in Nigeria today with a nominal GDP of about 492.99 billion USD as at 2016, and yet there are loud cries among the citizenry because of food scarcity and high inflation rates, and high unemployment rates; aggregate supply is so low, and most workers are not paid on time. Late arrival of salaries alone could translate to starvation, loss of shelter, poor health and loss of other basic necessities as educational privileges, as funds are required for all the above stated.
The basic needs approach views economic development as a situation whereby the citizens of a country have access to basic needs such as food, descent housing, and quality education, among others. However, this welfare is not seen in Nigeria today, despite the economic growth recorded. Most leaders of less developed countries (as Nigeria) still prefer the Eurocentric approach to development, which includes (among others) extractive endeavours, and exports of these extracted resources in exchange for wealth, as was the mainstay in the colonial times. This thus brings about a disregard to human development, promoting corruption.
A rubbish heap can grow but it does not develop.

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