Nigeria: The Failing State EzE Ogbu Nigeria T h e Fa i l i N g S TaT e A collection of articles Eze Ogbu An Ovi eBooks Publication 2024 Ovi eBookPublications - All material is copyright of the Ovi eBooks Publications & the writer C Ovi ebooks are available in Ovi/Ovi eBookshelves pages and they are for free. If somebody tries to sell you an Ovi book please contact us immediately. For details, contact: ovimagazine@yahoo.com No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior permission of the writer or the above publisher of this book Nigeria: The Failing State Nigeria: The Failing State Eze Ogbu Eze Ogbu An Ovi eBooks Publication 2024 Ovi eBookPublications - All material is copyright of the Ovi eBooks Publications & the writer C Nigeria: The Failing State Contents Intro 7 The giant with the gigantic failure of leadership 9 The Paradox of Nigeria 18 Nigeria in Lack of Democracy: An In-Depth Analysis 30 The various forms of State Corruption in Nigeria 44 When corruption became an acceptable part of Nigerian society 53 Incompetence and corruption, the root causes for Nigeria’s Health Care collapse 64 The toll of corruption on Nigeria’s food crisis 72 The role of Boko Haram in contemporary Nigerian 79 Bola Ahmed Tinubu: An Authoritarian President or a Ruthless Totalitarian? 88 Eze Ogbu Nigeria: The Failing State Nigeria, a nation brimming with potential and rich in natural resources, has been grappling with the insidious problem of corruption for decades. This pervasive issue has infiltrated every facet of society, hindering development, exacerbating inequality, and eroding public trust in institutions. This book – a collection of articles published this year (2024) delves deep into the complex world of corruption in Nigeria, tracing its historical roots, analyzing its contemporary manifestations, and ex- amining its far-reaching consequences. It explores the various forms corruption takes, from grand-scale embezzlement to everyday bribery, and investigates the intricate interplay of political, economic, and so- cial factors that contribute to its persistence. Ultimately, this book aims to spark a national con- versation about corruption in Nigeria, to galvanize public awareness, and to inspire action towards a brighter future. It is a call to arms for all Nigerians to join the fight against corruption, to reclaim their country’s potential, and to build a society where jus- tice, equity, and prosperity prevail. Eze Ogbu Nigeria: The Failing State ThE giaNT wiTh ThE gigaNTiC FailurE OF lEadErShip Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a country blessed with abundant natural and human resources. Home to the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria carries immense potential to shape the African continent’s economic, political, and cultural future. Yet, despite these ad- vantages, Nigeria remains mired in a recurring cycle of political failures, economic stagnation, and wide- spread social discontent. A recurring theme in Nige- rian history is the failure of leadership to effectively steer the nation toward sustainable development, se- curity, and equity. Eze Ogbu This persistent failure in leadership reflects a crisis that goes beyond mere political mistakes or admin- istrative shortcomings. It strikes at the heart of a sys- tem where corruption, inefficiency, and political pa- tronage have become institutionalized. The problems are multifaceted, ranging from systemic corruption and economic mismanagement to social injustices and growing insecurity. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has been plagued by a leadership crisis characterized by political instability, military coups, and rampant corruption. The initial optimism that followed inde- pendence was swiftly replaced by disillusionment as successive governments, both military and civilian, failed to meet the basic needs of the people. The Nigerian political class often makes grand promises, proclaiming lofty visions and ambitious developmental plans. However, these have frequent- ly proven to be mere rhetoric, with the reality being widespread poverty, insecurity, and institutional de- cay. Nigeria’s leadership failures have been so chronic that each successive administration inherits and ex- acerbates the problems left behind by its predecessor, creating a vicious cycle of ineptitude. At the heart of Nigeria’s leadership failure lies Nigeria: The Failing State pervasive corruption. Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index consistently ranks Ni- geria among the most corrupt nations in the world. This corruption manifests in embezzlement of pub- lic funds, bribery, nepotism, and misallocation of resources. Public officials often prioritize personal enrichment over public service, leading to the si- phoning of billions of dollars meant for infrastruc- tural development, healthcare, education, and other essential services. The consequences of corruption are visible across the country. Basic amenities like electricity, potable water, and healthcare are in a state of neglect, while roads and other critical infrastructure deteriorate. Public trust in the government has eroded, and citi- zens have little faith that their leaders can deliver on their promises. This lack of accountability has em- boldened corrupt leaders, perpetuating a culture of impunity that further cripples the nation. Despite being one of the world’s largest oil pro- ducers, Nigeria remains home to one of the largest populations living in extreme poverty. The country’s economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, suffers from mismanagement, policy inconsistency, and a lack of diversification. Periods of economic boom have often Eze Ogbu been followed by sharp declines, with the proceeds from oil frequently misappropriated or squandered. The overdependence on oil has made the economy highly vulnerable to global price fluctuations, lead- ing to frequent economic crises. Moreover, efforts to diversify the economy have largely been ineffective due to policy inconsistency, corruption, and inade- quate infrastructure. Agriculture, once the backbone of the Nigerian economy, has been neglected, while other sectors like manufacturing, tourism, and infor- mation technology remain underdeveloped. Unemployment remains alarmingly high, espe- cially among the youth, with many graduates unable to find jobs commensurate with their qualifications. This economic frustration has contributed to social unrest, crime, and a growing sense of hopelessness among the populace. Nigeria’s leadership failure is perhaps most evident in its inability to provide security for its citizens. In recent years, the country has faced escalating security challenges, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes. Boko Haram and other insurgent groups have wreaked havoc in the northeastern region, displacing mil- lions and causing untold suffering. Despite military Nigeria: The Failing State efforts, the group remains resilient, exploiting lapses in leadership, corruption, and the government’s ina- bility to address the root causes of extremism. In addition to terrorism, Nigeria is grappling with the rise of armed banditry and kidnapping-for-ran- som, particularly in the northwest and central re- gions. This insecurity has severely impacted agri- culture, trade, and general quality of life in affected areas. Furthermore, ongoing clashes between farm- ers and herders have fuelled ethnic and religious tensions, highlighting the government’s inability to mediate conflicts effectively. The failure to protect citizens from these threats has left many feeling abandoned by the state. Public confidence in the government’s ability to restore or- der is low, and this lack of faith undermines the very foundation of the state’s legitimacy. The leadership crisis in Nigeria has contributed to deepening social inequalities and widespread in- justices. Wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few political elites, while a large percent- age of the population struggles to survive. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, leading to social unrest and a pervasive sense of mar- ginalization. Eze Ogbu Ethnic and religious divisions, often exploited by politicians, have further eroded national unity. Politi- cians frequently use these divides to their advantage, securing votes or political loyalty based on regional, religious, or ethnic affiliations rather than policies or competence. This has created an environment where meritocracy is disregarded, and individuals are often appointed to key positions based on patronage rath- er than qualification or capacity. The education sector has not been spared from this leadership failure. Underfunded and neglect- ed, Nigerian schools and universities are plagued by strikes, dilapidated infrastructure, and poor quali- ty of teaching. This neglect has stifled human capi- tal development and innovation, leaving millions of young Nigerians ill-prepared for the demands of a modern economy. Nigeria’s claim to the title of the “Giant of Africa” seems increasingly hollow when contrasted with its persistent leadership failures. The country’s size and resources present immense opportunities, yet it con- sistently falls short in realizing its potential. Failed leadership has hindered progress in almost every sector, from health and education to infrastructure and national security. Nigeria: The Failing State One need only look at Nigeria’s health sector to understand the depth of this leadership crisis. Public hospitals are overcrowded, underfunded, and under- staffed, with many doctors and healthcare profes- sionals fleeing the country in search of better oppor- tunities abroad. Similarly, the power sector remains in disarray, with frequent power cuts and an unreli- able energy supply stifling economic growth and in- dustrialization. While leadership plays a crucial role in shaping Ni- geria’s fate, the citizens also have a part to play. Apa- thy and the normalization of corruption and misgov- ernance have contributed to the persistence of these issues. Citizens’ failure to hold their leaders account- able, often due to fear, poverty, or disillusionment, allows corrupt leaders to continue their misdeeds unchecked. The political class has often exploited citizens’ di- visions and grievances to maintain power, while fail- ing to deliver on their responsibilities. A collective awakening and a sustained push for accountability, transparency, and good governance are necessary if Nigeria is to break free from this cycle of failed lead- ership. Eze Ogbu If Nigeria is to rise above its current challenges, a radical rethinking of leadership is required. The country needs leaders who prioritize national in- terests over personal gains and possess the vision and competence to implement sustainable policies. Strengthening institutions and promoting accounta- bility should be at the forefront of any reform efforts. A shift towards greater transparency and mer- it-based appointments is essential to rebuilding public trust in the government. It is also crucial for Nigeria to diversify its economy, focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology to reduce its dependency on oil and create jobs for its teeming youth population. Moreover, tackling corruption must move beyond rhetoric to tangible actions. Nigeria needs an inde- pendent and empowered anti-corruption agency capable of prosecuting offenders, regardless of their political affiliations. The current culture of impunity must be dismantled if the country is to make mean- ingful progress. Nigeria remains a nation of great promise and even greater contradictions. Despite its resources, popula- tion, and strategic importance, the country contin- ues to be held back by a leadership crisis that fails to Nigeria: The Failing State serve the needs of its people. The recurring failure of headship, characterized by corruption, economic mismanagement, and insecurity, has created an en- vironment where citizens suffer while their leaders thrive. To reclaim its position as the “Giant of Africa,” Nigeria must confront its leadership crisis head-on. This requires visionary leaders, a committed citizen- ry, and a genuine effort to promote transparency, ac- countability, and justice. Only then can Nigeria fulfil its vast potential and truly serve as a beacon of hope and progress for the African continent. Eze Ogbu ThE paradOx OF NigEria Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, holds a peculiar place in the global economic narrative. The country sits atop vast oil reserves, ranking 14th glob- ally in terms of oil production and sales. As of 2022, Nigeria produced about 1.3 million barrels of oil per day, a significant contribution to the global oil mar- ket and a major source of revenue for the country. Yet, in the midst of this wealth, millions of Nigerians live in extreme poverty, a situation that seems para- doxical when compared to the country’s oil riches. Nigeria’s poverty rate, hovering around 40%, tells the story of a nation grappling with deep-rooted system- ic challenges, from corruption to mismanagement of resources, political instability, and economic in- equality. Nigeria: The Failing State Nigeria’s status as a global oil producer is unde- niable. The country’s oil and gas sector accounts for approximately 90% of its foreign exchange earnings and about 70% of government revenue. The Niger Delta, the hub of Nigeria’s oil industry, is home to some of the largest oil fields in Africa. This immense resource has drawn international oil companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, among others, who have long operated in Nigeria. Historically, the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956 marked the beginning of a new economic chapter for Nigeria. The nation’s oil boom in the 1970s saw a rapid influx of wealth, with oil revenues fueling gov- ernment spending and spurring economic growth. However, the euphoria of newfound wealth soon gave way to the realities of mismanagement, cor- ruption, and poor governance. While oil revenues flowed into the country, they were concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving the majority of Nigerians to bear the brunt of economic inequality and under- development. With such an abundance of resources, one might expect that Nigeria’s population would be thriving. Yet, the statistics tell a different story. As of 2021, an estimated 82 million Nigerians live below the poverty Eze Ogbu line, surviving on less than $1.90 per day. The World Bank describes the country as one with a growing number of “new poor,” indicating that poverty is not just persistent but is increasing in scope. For a nation as resource-rich as Nigeria, this is an alarming con- tradiction. Several factors contribute to Nigeria’s poverty, in- cluding: 1. Economic Mismanagement : Nige- ria’s economy, despite its size and potential, is largely undiversified. Over-reliance on oil exports has stunted growth in other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. When oil prices fall, as they of- ten do in the volatile global oil market, Nige- ria’s economy takes a hit, resulting in reduced government revenues, cuts to social programs, and increased poverty. 2. population growth : Nigeria’s popula- tion is expanding rapidly, with a growth rate of approximately 2.6% per year. With over 200 million people and projections to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, the economy struggles to keep up with the needs of its growing population. As job