Nigeria: Almost A 70-year-old Man, Still Acting Like a Baby, by Isaac Asabor

As Nigeria approaches its 64th anniversary of independence, it feels as though we are witnessing the behavior of a grown man at 70 who still cannot walk without stumbling, a metaphor for a nation that continues to grapple with basic developmental issues long after the world expected it to have matured. Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” possesses immense potential and abundant resources, which should place it at the forefront of global development. Yet, it still struggles with challenges typical of much younger, less experienced nations. The question remains: how long can we keep accepting excuses for such immaturity?

When Nigeria gained independence in 1960, there was an outpouring of hope and excitement. It was believed that with the right leadership and governance, the country would rise rapidly, transitioning from a post-colonial economy into a prosperous, developed nation. However, nearly seven decades later, Nigeria, despite its vast natural resources, oil, gas, agricultural produce, and mineral wealth, still grapples with fundamental issues.

One of the most glaring examples is the persistent problem of inadequate electricity supply. Despite billions of dollars in investment and countless reforms, Nigeria still struggles to provide stable power. Businesses are crippled by exorbitant fuel costs to power generators, and citizens live in the dark, awaiting the promise of stable electricity. This is not a challenge of technology or capability; it reflects a deeper systemic failure to grow beyond the age-old problems. For a country at Nigeria’s age, why has something as basic as electricity become an impossible dream?

The fundamental question Nigerians are asking is: how can a nation that is supposed to be mature still be grappling with developmental basics? In the last 60 years, countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, which were once at similar economic levels, have made significant strides, while Nigeria lags behind. The stark difference is leadership, vision, and the ability to execute policies that prioritize national development over political gain.

At the heart of Nigeria’s developmental stagnation is the pervasive problem of corruption. Like a child who refuses to give up his or her bad habits, Nigeria’s political and economic landscape is entrenched in graft and mismanagement. The spoils of the nation’s wealth continue to be distributed among a privileged few, while millions live in abject poverty.

From the misappropriation of public funds to inflated contracts and uncompleted projects, corruption has bled the country dry. Government institutions, which should serve as drivers of development, are undermined by greed and self-interest. Year after year, reports from international watchdogs like Transparency International paint a grim picture of a country where bribery, nepotism, and mismanagement have become institutionalized.

It is as though Nigeria has chosen to remain a “spoilt child” of sorts, refusing to let go of destructive habits that prevent its growth. Just like an irresponsible child making a mess and blaming everyone else, successive governments have promised change without delivering tangible results. Citizens watch in frustration as those in power speak of progress while the streets tell a different story.

For any nation, education and healthcare are pillars of sustainable development. Yet, Nigeria, with its growing population, has allowed both sectors to deteriorate. In education, the nation that once boasted some of the most prestigious universities in Africa now struggles with dilapidated schools, outdated curricula, incessant strikes, and underpaid educators. This generation of Nigerian students, the supposed future of the nation, is caught in a cycle of underfunded education and limited opportunities, making it nearly impossible for them to compete globally.

It is disheartening that Nigeria, which ranks as Africa’s most populous nation, cannot offer its citizens adequate healthcare. Hospitals across the country are under-equipped, understaffed, and overwhelmed, leaving citizens without access to the most basic of health services. The wealthy few can afford to travel abroad for medical treatment, leaving the average Nigerian to rely on a decaying health system. The question remains: why has Nigeria, despite its age and experience, failed to develop these crucial sectors?

The leadership of Nigeria has, for too long, embodied the traits of arrested development. Instead of visionary, forward-thinking leaders, the country has been governed by individuals more interested in maintaining their personal hold on power than in advancing the nation’s development. Nigeria’s leadership often clings to outdated policies and governance practices that no longer serve a modern state. Instead of embracing innovation, transparency, and accountability, they seek to entrench the status quo.

It is telling that Nigeria’s leadership still depends heavily on external influences, from the IMF, the World Bank, and even donor nations, to implement policies that could be internally driven. Like a child that refuses to grow up, Nigeria has become too reliant on external help, even for challenges that can be tackled domestically. How long will Nigeria continue to depend on these “caretakers” while its people cry for homegrown solutions?

Moreover, leadership succession in Nigeria has not been about talent or competence but about maintaining political dynasties, leading to a culture of mediocrity and poor governance. Leaders recycle themselves, passing on the reins of power to protégés who continue the cycle of incompetence and corruption. This inability to change or reform governance culture is a sign of arrested national development.

Nigeria can no longer afford to act like a baby. The potential for greatness is evident in its diverse population, rich culture, and natural resources. What is missing is the political will to address the country’s challenges head-on. Citizens must begin holding their leaders accountable for their actions, demanding that institutions function independently and efficiently, free of the endemic corruption that has plagued the country for decades.

The time has come for Nigeria to stop the tantrums and blame games. Yes, the scars of colonialism and past mistakes are evident, but they cannot continue to serve as excuses for inaction. Nations with less than half of Nigeria’s resources have risen from worse conditions. Nigeria, with its unique history and potential, has everything it needs to succeed, except the willpower to do so.

The journey from infancy to adulthood is not easy, and no country is immune to setbacks. However, nearly 70 years is more than enough time for a country to have learned the lessons necessary to mature. If Nigeria does not act now, it risks becoming irrelevant in the global economy and in the eyes of its people, who are growing increasingly frustrated.

It is time for Nigeria to grow up. The world is watching, waiting for the “Giant of Africa” to rise. But the longer we delay, the more we risk turning that giant into nothing more than a myth. The time for excuses is over. It is time for action. The nation must stop acting like a baby, there is far too much at stake.