Commodification of the naira refers to the process of making the Nigerian currency more valuable or stable by turning it into a commodity. This can be achieved by promoting the export of cassava-based products or developing industries related to cassava processing, such as producing cassava flour and starch. The idea is to generate revenue and strengthen the countrys foreign exchange reserves, which could ultimately enhance the value of the naira. However, implementing such a policy would require careful economic analysis and planning, and its effectiveness would depend on various economic factors, including global market demand for cassava products and the countrys ability to develop and manage relevant industries.
The term "commodification" is often used to describe the process of making something of little or no economic value to replace other social values. According to scholars in various fields such as sociology, economics, and cultural studies, commodification refers to the process by which goods, services, or even ideas that were not previously treated as commodities are transformed into objects or entities that can be bought, sold, and traded in the marketplace for better value.
The recent outcry for the commodification of the naira using cassava has attracted mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some believe it is a realistic economic idea, others argue that it is a complex idea that requires careful planning and analysis.