Are Nigerians Their Own Biggest Problem? –By Matthew Ma

For many years, Nigerians have placed the blame for the country’s myriad issues—economic hardship, persistent insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment, electoral malpractice, and widespread institutional decay—primarily on political leaders. Undoubtedly, these leaders deserve scrutiny and criticism for their failures and shortcomings. However, it is crucial to recognize that leadership is deeply embedded in Nigeria’s societal fabric. Politicians do not emerge from some distant, unattainable realm; rather, they originate from the very heart of Nigerian society—homes, schools, communities, religious institutions, and social networks. Each politician begins as an ordinary citizen, shaped by the values, beliefs, and behaviors of the society around them. A corrupt official, for instance, was once an ordinary person who may have been influenced or even encouraged by a teacher, a parent, or a colleague to engage in unethical practices. Similarly, a leader known for dishonesty could have been celebrated by peers in their youth for what was perceived as clever maneuvering through a flawed system. The key question this article confronts is: who fosters the environment that allows unethical practices to thrive in Nigeria?

One of Nigeria’s biggest problems is the rampant normalization of corruption across the country. A pertinent example is the normalization case between VeryDarkMan and BLord. What began as online criticism of certain business practices escalated into serious allegations, including impersonation, unauthorized use of images and branding, and misleading promotions, prompting legal action. The controversy eventually moved beyond social media and into the courtroom, capturing nationwide attention. From one perspective, VeryDarkMan positioned himself as a consumer advocate and online activist, seeking to challenge what he viewed as exploitative and misleading business practices. His supporters saw the case as a crucial step toward holding influential entrepreneurs accountable.

On the other hand, BLord and his supporters argued that the recent attacks have severely damaged both his personal reputation and his business interests. They highlighted the alarming consequences of a “trial by social media,” in which unverified information spreads swiftly, leading to public shaming and unfounded accusations. They also argue that targeting BLord amounts to an attack on the Igbo ethnic group as a whole, implying that the motivations behind these allegations may stem from ethnic bias. This perspective shifts the focus from a case of corruption and exploitation to an intricate dialogue that engages with tribal identities or the normalization of fraud.

The second case study examines another allegation by VeryDarkMan against TMT Travels and Tours, a travel agency currently under scrutiny for visa-related fraud and inadequate consumer protection in Nigeria’s travel sector. Numerous reports and social media videos have surfaced, showing several Nigerian citizens accusing TMT Travels and Tours and its proprietor, Ifeanyi Onukwubiri, of deceptive practices. These practices allegedly include charging exorbitant, seemingly fraudulent fees for visa processing, generating counterfeit COVID-19 documentation, and unlawfully withholding hundreds of passports for extended periods without providing refunds. The individuals involved in the allegations predominantly belong to the Igbo ethnic group, although reports indicate that people from other tribes have also been affected. Some have insinuated that VDM may be deliberately targeting a particular Igbo businessman to diminish his reputation and influence in the business community. This situation reflects a troubling shift in the conversation surrounding the allegations, moving from simple claims of fraudulent activities to a broader discussion that carries undertones of tribal sentiment. As this narrative evolves, it raises concerns about how corruption is perceived in Nigerian society, suggesting that unethical practices may be becoming more accepted and normalized among the populace.

The next case study focuses on a passionate Victor Osimhen fan and a jersey vendor named Abazz. The story began when a young boy reached out to Osimhen on social media, sharing his heartfelt wish to attend the championship final in Turkey. During the match, Osimhen was set to celebrate a momentous occasion—potentially lifting the trophy if his team emerged victorious. Unfortunately, the boy faced a significant hurdle; he did not have an international passport, which meant he could not travel to Turkey for the event. To feel connected to the match, he asked Osimhen to buy him a Galatasaray jersey to proudly wear while watching the game from Nigeria. Moved by the boy’s enthusiasm and determination, Osimhen promised to fund 15 jerseys and additional signed merchandise, intending to organize a giveaway for the boy and other fans.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when controversy erupted over the designated jersey vendor, Abazz. Allegations surfaced that Abazz had diverted some of the giveaway jerseys. This sparked outrage online, as fans and followers rallied, calling out the vendor for his actions. Supporters of Osimhen expressed their disappointment and demanded that Abazz release the promised giveaway jerseys. They condemned the vendor’s behavior and voiced their frustration with his perceived injustice. If this story holds any truth, it underscores a significant issue in Nigerian society—the alarming propensity for individuals to deceive one another, often while blaming governmental authorities for crimes occurring in the nation. This conflict illustrates a deeper societal pattern in which personal accountability is frequently overshadowed by a collective tendency to criticize and scapegoat the government, even as individuals engage in dishonest behavior among themselves. This cycle of defrauding fellow citizens while pointing fingers at the government reflects a complex interplay of trust, disillusionment, and moral responsibility within the community.

Nigeria’s challenges do not arise from random chance or mystical forces, nor are they a product of geographic determinism or simple fate. The uncomfortable truth that citizens find difficult to accept is that these challenges reflect the attitudes and behaviors of its people. In other words, Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges are not merely the result of random events or unexplained mystical forces but stem from a deeply entrenched network of historical, social, political, and economic factors. While geographic determinism — the idea that a nation’s physical environment significantly shapes its societal structures — does play a role in Nigeria’s struggles, it should not be viewed as the singular explanation. A more uncomfortable truth many citizens struggle to acknowledge is that the numerous challenges facing Nigeria today are, in fact, the direct result of actions and decisions made by Nigerians across all demographics—regardless of age, gender, or social standing. Accepting this reality can be daunting, as it requires deep introspection into the collective and individual choices that have shaped the current socio-economic landscape.

Another of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges is the normalization of corruption across all levels of society. While many citizens condemn public looting, they also celebrate private dishonesty. Bribing police officers to avoid lawful penalties, paying for unearned certificates, manipulating recruitment processes through connections, evading taxes, and seeking preferential treatment based on ethnicity, religion, or personal relationships have become commonplace. Yet these same individuals demand integrity from public officials. A society cannot consistently reward dishonesty and then expect transparent governance to flourish.

The culture of silence significantly contributes to the nation’s decline. Many Nigerians witness wrongdoing yet remain silent out of fear of repercussions or a belief that speaking out is futile. Communities often shield criminals because of shared ethnic backgrounds, political affiliations, or religious beliefs. This selective morality erodes national unity and compromises justice. A country cannot thrive when its citizens protect misconduct simply because it involves “their own people.” Furthermore, the erosion of civic responsibility has exacerbated the nation’s challenges. Public property is often neglected because many individuals perceive government assets as belonging to no one. Roads are vandalized, public utilities are damaged, waste is discarded indiscriminately, and traffic laws are frequently flouted. Yet citizens express dissatisfaction with underdevelopment and poor living conditions. True development requires collective discipline, not just government expenditure.

Another troubling reality is the pervasive celebration of wealth without scrutiny of its origins. Society increasingly defines success by material possessions rather than by character, diligence, or integrity. Young people see fraudsters, corrupt politicians, and unscrupulous businessmen admired and respected for their affluence. This harmful value system fosters criminality and undermines society’s moral foundation. Acknowledging society’s role in national challenges does not mean relinquishing hope. Nations can transform when their citizens change. Countries that have developed did so not only because of visionary leaders but also because ordinary individuals embraced responsibility, accountability, and civic discipline. Nigeria’s transformation will not be achieved through elections or government policies alone. It will also stem from citizens who reject bribes, uphold the law, consistently demand accountability, safeguard public property, and prioritize the national interest over personal gain.

Instilling integrity within the home environment is a foundational responsibility for parents, who play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s values and ethical frameworks. This process involves teaching children the importance of honesty, accountability, and moral principles from a young age, ensuring they understand the significance of integrity in their daily lives. In parallel, educational institutions must take proactive steps to revitalize civic education and moral instruction within their curricula. Schools have a unique opportunity to foster a sense of community and ethical responsibility among students, encouraging them to actively participate in civic life and understand their roles as responsible citizens. This education should encompass discussions of ethics, civic duties, and the importance of contributing positively to society.

Moreover, religious institutions have a critical responsibility to promote honesty, integrity, and a deep sense of national responsibility. Rather than focusing solely on material wealth and personal gain, these institutions should encourage their congregants to prioritize ethical behavior and the public good. By doing so, they can help cultivate a culture that values morality over mere financial success. The media also serves as a gateway to this landscape, tasked with uncovering corruption and promoting ethical values in society. Investigative journalism can spotlight unethical practices while also celebrating individuals and organizations that exemplify integrity and transparency. This exposure not only informs the public but also fosters a collective commitment to uphold ethical standards. Furthermore, young Nigerians must actively reject the harmful idea that success can be achieved through unethical means. They need to understand that true achievement is rooted in moral behavior and integrity, which form the bedrock of sustainable success and national progress.

Patriotism involves more than outward expressions such as waving flags or singing the national anthem; it requires a genuine commitment to the nation’s development. True patriotism encompasses actions characterized by honesty, discipline, and productivity, as well as a profound respect for the rule of law. Every citizen has the power to influence the nation’s image and future, either positively or negatively. By embracing these values, individuals can collectively contribute to a more ethical, prosperous, and harmonious society.

Nigeria has the potential to become a nation celebrated for excellence, justice, peace, and prosperity. However, achieving this transformation requires more than criticizing leaders; it demands collective national introspection. Until Nigerians unite to reject the normalization of corruption, tribalism, greed, intolerance, and indiscipline, they will remain their own biggest problems. Thus, the future of Nigeria hinges on the values and choices that its citizens embrace.

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.