By Dada Ahmed.
(C) ResearchGate.
Nigeria once stood tall as the giant of Africa — aon with boundless potential, rich in human and natural resources, and blessed with men and women of intellect, creativity, and resilience. From the days of independence in 1960 through the oil boom years of the 1970s, Nigeria commanded respect across the continent, leading peacekeeping missions, producing world-class scholars, and nurturing dreams of greatness. Yet, many Nigerians regret that, six decades later, the promise of that great beginning has been eroded by endemic corruption, insecurity, and economic decline, among other factors. Today, the question on every lip is: Can Nigeria rise again? The answer is yes — but only if every segment of society takes responsibility and acts with conscience and courage.
The first step to renewal is to confront the truth. Nigeria’s biggest tragedy is not a lack of potential but the rot within — the moral decay that has eaten deep into the fabric of society, public service, and even the citizenry. Corruption has become institutionalized, turning merit into mediocrity and service into self-enrichment. In many instances, the nation’s wealth, meant to build roads, schools, hospitals, and industries, has been diverted into private pockets. Many discerning voices agree that this looting of public resources has bred a culture of impunity that cripples development and kills hope.
Alongside corruption is the scourge of crime and insecurity that has spread like wildfire across the land. From banditry and kidnapping in the North to cult violence and armed robbery in the South, citizens live in fear, while many farmers have abandoned their fields — a scarring development that has worsened food insecurity in the country. Regrettably, many once-peaceful rural communities have been turned into battlefields, while trust between the people and their government is at an all-time low. In many regions, criminal gangs wield more power than the law, eroding faith in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
The economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians further compounds the problem. Inflation has eaten deep into purchasing power, unemployment continues to soar, and the naira’s value keeps tumbling. Many families can barely afford three meals a day, while young graduates wander the streets in search of elusive white-collar jobs.
Empirical evidence shows that growing poverty has fueled desperation and crime, making survival the new measure of morality. However, many citizens believe that even in this chaos lies a path to redemption — if they can come together to rebuild what has been broken.
Reclaiming Nigeria begins with the leadership class. Political leaders must rediscover a disturbing phenomenon — the lost art of statesmanship — and govern with vision, empathy, and integrity. There has been a growing clarion call that governance should no longer be treated as a business venture but as a sacred duty and trust. The obsession with power and wealth must give way to enhanced public accountability and service delivery. Nigeria’s leaders must embrace fiscal discipline, transparency, and a genuine war against corruption, pursuing systemic reforms that close loopholes and reward honesty.
The civil service, the engine of government, must also be revived. Once known for efficiency and professionalism, it has to a large degree become a shadow of its former self. To rebuild it, meritocracy must replace nepotism, and digital governance should replace paper bureaucracy. The era of “ghost workers” and contract racketeering must end. A reformed civil service can provide the stability and competence that political office holders often lack.
The private sector, too, has a crucial role to play. Economic experts urge that Nigeria’s entrepreneurs and business leaders must look beyond short-term profit to long-term nation-building. They call for ethical business practices, local content development, and investment in infrastructure, research, and education. Partnerships between the public and private sectors in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing can unlock Nigeria’s dormant industrial potential and create millions of jobs.
The media and civil society must rise as the conscience of the nation. Journalists should go beyond sensationalism to investigative reporting that exposes corruption, injustice, and abuse of power. Civil society groups should intensify advocacy for reforms, promote civic education, and hold leaders accountable. A vigilant media and an active citizenry remain the most effective checks on tyranny and impunity.
The youth, who make up over 60 percent of the population, hold the key to Nigeria’s rebirth. Instead of despairing or fleeing abroad in what is now known as “Japa syndrome,” they must channel their creativity, energy, and intellect into innovation, activism, and ethically driven ventures that will boost the nation’s economy. From tech startups to social movements, young Nigerians have already shown that change is possible. Their demand for good governance, justice, and transparency must continue — not through violence but through civic engagement, informed voting, and community development.
Women, often complaining of being sidelined in national discourse, must also take their rightful place in nation-building. Their participation in politics, governance, and the economy must go beyond tokenism. Studies worldwide show that societies thrive when women are empowered. Nigerian women have proven their worth as entrepreneurs, educators, and peacebuilders; giving them a greater voice can inject compassion, discipline, and inclusivity into governance and contribute immensely toward fixing Nigeria.
The educational system — the soul of any nation — must be overhauled. A country that neglects its schools cannot secure its future. Nigeria must invest more in education, not merely as a budget item but as a moral duty. Teachers must receive continuous training and motivation — as reflected in the recent extension of their retirement age from 60 to 65 years — while curricula should be modernized and universities properly funded. Education should not only produce job seekers but problem solvers who can power the economy of tomorrow.
Religion and traditional institutions also have roles to play. Clerics and traditional rulers command immense influence; they must use it to promote unity, honesty, and community development — not division or exploitation. Sermons and palace pronouncements should inspire moral renewal, peacebuilding, and civic responsibility. Indeed, Nigeria’s rebirth cannot happen without a return to the values of truth, hard work, and compassion that once defined our forebears.
At the grassroots, community participation is key. Local governments must be truly autonomous and responsive to the needs of their people. Citizens should take ownership of their environment, monitor projects, and demand accountability from those who govern them. Experience shows that development is most sustainable when driven from the bottom up.
On a final note, it must be stressed that ordinary citizens must realize that change begins with them. The culture of cutting corners, bribery, and indifference must stop. Every Nigerian must decide to obey traffic rules, pay taxes honestly, vote wisely, and refuse to sell their conscience. If this positive thinking can be imbibed by all and sundry, patriotism would no longer be measured by flag-waving but by daily acts of integrity and responsibility.
It must not be forgotten that Nigeria’s path to greatness lies not in miracles or external aid but in the collective will of its people. The rot may be deep, but with leaders of integrity, reformed institutions, and citizens acting with renewed patriotism and discipline, Nigeria can once again stand tall as the pride of Africa. Many citizens may see the journey as long and painful, but the truth is that a nation that works for all is worth every effort. Indeed, Nigeria shall rise again — if Nigerians themselves will rise to the challenge.
Ahmed, a retired Assistant Editor-in-Chief of NAN and former Head of NAN in Kogi State, publishes The Reporters.
