Who will fix Nigeria? A nation’s burden, citizens’ responsibility

POINTBLANK with Smart Emmanuel
09066642354

“The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” — Chinua Achebe

There is a familiar rhythm to discussions about Nigeria. In our homes, in our business locations, in offices, and across social spaces, the lament is constant: Nigeria is not working.

Fingers are pointed at the government at institutions, at leadership. Everyone seems to have a culprit, except themselves.

Yet, beneath this chorus of blame lies a hard, uncomfortable truth: no one ever believes they are part of the Nigerian problem. But what if that assumption is wrong?

What if the Nigerian problem is not just “out there” in the corridors of power, but also “in here”—in our daily choices, our habits, and our silence?
Yes, you are part of the Nigerian problem. And so am I.

This is not an accusation meant to condemn anyone, but a reality meant to awaken. Nations do not deteriorate solely because of failed leadership; they falter when citizens collectively abandon responsibility. The Nigeria we criticize today is, in many ways, a reflection of what we permit, tolerate, and practice as citizens.

At the institutional level, the failures are glaring. Government ministries, departments, and parastatals, established to serve the public, have, in many instances, become shadows of their intended purpose. Efficiency is often sacrificed on the altar of bureaucracy, while merit is overshadowed by favoritism and patronage.

A simple administrative process becomes a test of endurance unless “something extra” is offered. Contracts are awarded not to the most capable, but to the most connected.

Public funds meant for infrastructure, education, and healthcare are mismanaged or diverted entirely. Yet, these institutions are not abstract entities; they are run by individuals, Nigerians, who make daily choices to either uphold or undermine the system.

When you, as a civil servant demands a bribe to perform your lawful duty, you become part of the problem. When you, as a contractor inflates project costs or abandons your work after receiving payment, that too is the Nigerian problem in action.

When regulatory bodies fail to enforce standards, choosing complicity over courage, they reinforce the very dysfunction they were created to prevent.

Beyond the walls of institutions, the streets tell their own story. Disorder has been normalized to the point where it is no longer questioned. Traffic laws are ignored with impunity. Commercial drivers disregard safety rules, while pedestrians risk their lives crossing highways carelessly. Street trading obstructs movement, contributing to congestion and avoidable accidents.

These are not isolated incidents; they are patterns of behavior that collectively erode order and safety. Every time a rule is broken under the justification that “everyone else is doing it,” the foundation of society weakens just a little more.

In our environment, neglect has become a silent crisis. Drainage systems are clogged with refuse because waste disposal is treated as an afterthought. Public spaces are abused because they are seen as belonging to no one, and therefore, to no one’s responsibility. The consequences are evident: flooding, disease outbreaks, and deteriorating living conditions.

Yet, even here, blame is quickly shifted to the government, ignoring the role of individual actions in creating the problem.

Within the family, the bedrock of any society, the challenges are equally profound. Values that once defined integrity, respect, and discipline are gradually eroding. In some homes, the urgency of survival has overshadowed the responsibility of moral upbringing. In others, indifference has taken root.

Many Children grow up observing contradictions: dishonesty rewarded, shortcuts celebrated, and accountability avoided. Over time, these lessons shape attitudes that are carried into schools, workplaces, and public life. A society that fails to instill values at the family level inevitably struggles to sustain them at the national level.

Leadership, as Chinua Achebe rightly observed, remains a central issue. Across political, religious, and corporate spaces, the failure to lead by example has deepened public cynicism. Leaders who preach discipline yet practice impunity create a dangerous disconnect. When those at the top manipulate systems for personal gain, it sends a message that integrity is now optional and accountability is negotiable.

However, it is important to recognize that leaders do not emerge in isolation. They are products of the same society. They are shaped by the same norms, values, and expectations that define the broader population. In many ways, leadership is a mirror reflecting the character of the people.

This creates a cycle that is both troubling and persistent: citizens blame leaders, leaders exploit citizens, institutions weaken, and the nation stagnates. In this cycle, everyone is both a victim and a contributor.

The causes of Nigeria’s challenges are therefore complex and interconnected. Weak institutions, poor enforcement of laws, economic pressures, erosion of moral values, and a culture that often celebrates success without questioning its source all play a role. But beneath these factors lies a deeper issue, a deficit of personal and collective responsibility.

The question then is not merely what is wrong with Nigeria, but what can be done to make it right?

The path forward begins with a shift in mindset. Values such as integrity, discipline, and accountability must be revived, not as abstract ideals, but as practical standards guiding everyday behavior. This reorientation must start within our families, where the foundation of character is laid.

Institutions must also be strengthened through transparency and consistency. Laws must be enforced without bias, and systems must be designed to minimize opportunities for corruption. The use of technology can reduce human interference in processes, thereby limiting avenues for exploitation.

Leadership must evolve into true service. Those in positions of authority must understand that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Accountability should not be selective, and impunity must be decisively addressed.

Equally important is the role of citizens. Nation-building is not the exclusive duty of government; it is a shared responsibility. Obeying laws, protecting public property, demanding accountability through lawful means, and contributing positively within one’s sphere of influence are all essential components of progress.

Finally, there must be a cultural shift in what society values. Wealth without integrity should no longer command respect. Instead, hard work, honesty, and service should be recognized and celebrated. Until this shift occurs, the incentives that drive behavior will remain misaligned with the goals of national development.

Nigeria does not require extraordinary miracles to function effectively. What it needs are ordinary citizens committed to doing the right things consistently, even when it is inconvenient.

So, the next time the question arises, Who will fix Nigeria? perhaps the answer should not be sought in distant places or powerful offices.

Perhaps it should begin with a simpler, more personal question,
Am I part of the problem, or am I part of the solution?

The future of Nigeria may very well depend on how honestly each of us answers that question, and what we choose to do afterward.

May our nation be great again.