Nigeria at 65: The Missing Ingredients in Our Leadership -By Clement Uwayah

Nigeria’s leadership conundrum has persisted for decades, with poor governance outcomes being the recurring theme. Despite transitioning from military to civilian rule, Nigerians have remained disenchanted with the quality of leadership. We are still in dire need of leaders who could steer the nation towards its full potential. The paradox lies in the fact that even those who vocally criticize poor leadership often falter when given the opportunity to lead. This raises fundamental questions about the underlying issues hindering Nigeria’s progress. Why, despite the vast natural and human resources, is the nation still struggling to find its footing on the global stage? Moreover, why do successive regimes seem to exacerbate the problems rather than alleviating them, despite promises of reform and improvement?

Comparing Nigeria’s growth and development trajectory with that of other nations often evokes a sense of despair among those who genuinely care about the country’s well-being. This concern is amplified by the remarkable achievements of Nigerians in various fields globally. The paradox lies in the stark contrast between the success of Nigerians abroad and the country’s stagnation. Despite being classified alongside nations like Brazil, and Malaysia as a developing country decades back, Nigeria has since fallen significantly behind. The margin between these countries and Nigeria has widened, leaving one to ponder the underlying causes of this decline. Rather than progress, successive governments have rather stagnated the nation’s development, with the high-stakes nature of politics taking a toll on efforts to move forward. This reality underscores the notion that Nigeria’s leadership indeed lacks essential ingredients.

The progress of a nation is akin to a vehicle in motion, with its trajectory determined by the driver at the helm. Just as a driver’s decisions dictate the vehicle’s destination, a nation’s growth and development hinge on the choices made by its leaders. The path to peace or conflict with other nations also rests on the shoulders of leaders, underscoring the significance of effective governance. In biblical times, Moses’ leadership was renowned for his empathy, sympathy, and compassion, as he guided the Israelites. This was despite their stiff-necked nature. His successor, Joshua, built upon Moses’ legacy by adhering to God’s directives, ensuring a safe arrival to destination and even a seamless transition of leadership. The success of Israel under Joshua’s leadership serves as a testament to the importance of good succession for continuity and visionary leadership.

In our case, the manners of ascension to leadership is always a far cry from expectations. It has become increasingly evident that ambition and a desire for power are highly insufficient for effective leadership. The pursuit of leadership positions requires deliberate, intentional, and strategic efforts. However, the critical question remains: do all ambitious individuals who aspire to leadership positions possess the essential qualities to deliver? Have our leaders demonstrated visionary leadership, with a clear understanding of the nation’s direction and a compelling vision to inspire citizens? Or have they lacked empathy, failing to relate to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the people? The prioritization of personal interests over citizens’ needs is starkly evident in instances where governments allocate resources to extravagant projects, such as luxury purchases, at the expense of critical infrastructure. These insensitive actions underscore the glaring absence of key leadership ingredients.

To extricate Nigeria from the socio-economic quagmire that has become its defining characteristic, our leaders must embody a multitude of qualities. Beyond possessing a clear vision, they must demonstrate love, compassion, and a commitment to accountability. The rampant corruption plaguing Nigeria today stems from a lack of accountability, which in turn erodes trust in government and stifles development. Exemplary leadership is crucial in this regard. Efforts to combat corruption are hindered by the fact that those in positions of authority often lack the moral integrity to drive meaningful change. It is unrealistic to expect leaders with tainted hands to champion accountability. The confusion surrounding corruption speaks volumes about the tacit endorsement of corrupt practices by those in power. Unfortunately, individuals with the potential to lead without blemish often find themselves marginalized by the very political system that should empower them.

Nigeria’s leadership vacuum is starkly reflected in its economic and social indicators. With a GDP growth rate of 2.98% (2022 est.), poverty rates hovering around 40%, and infrastructure deficits costing the economy billions annually, it’s clear that effective leadership is crucial for development. The situation is further compounded by alarming social statistics: over 10 million children are out of school, nutrition levels are deteriorating, and healthcare services are dwindling. Moreover, security challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping have ravaged communities, displacing millions and crippling economic activity. To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Institutional reforms that promote meritocracy, transparency, and accountability are crucial. Strengthening existing institutions like the judiciary, legislature, and anti-corruption agencies will ensure they function independently and effectively. Electoral reforms that guarantee free, fair, and credible elections can also help ensure leaders are chosen based on their vision and competence rather than manipulation and corruption.

Leadership development programs can equip current and future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to drive Nigeria’s development. These programs should focus on building visionary leadership, promoting empathy and accountability, and fostering a culture of integrity and transparency. By investing in leadership development and institutional reforms, Nigeria can build a more effective, responsive, and accountable leadership that prioritizes the needs and well-being of its citizens. While it remains unarguable that the leaders are to drive these reforms, the citizens themselves must begin self-evaluation of their own inputs to national development. After all, it is often said, that a people gets the leaders they deserve. We must not expect the leaders to do our bits for us. Every hand should be on the deck to engineer a new order that would birth the needed reforms towards Nigeria’s greatness.

Ultimately, Nigeria’s future hinges on its leadership quality. With a population of over 200 million, the country has immense potential. However, without leaders who prioritize merit, vision, and commitment to public service, progress will remain elusive. Concerted efforts are necessary to promote institutional reforms, leadership development, and a culture of accountability and transparency. At 65 good years of post independence, we ought not to be where we are at all. Let’s brace up for exponential growth; we have the human and capital resources to rewrite history within a short time.