In 1983, the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, delivered a timeless verdict on Nigeria’s problems in his classic book The Trouble With Nigeria. He argued that the root cause of the country’s underdevelopment was not geography, ethnicity, or lack of resources, but simply a failure of leadership.
Achebe wrote: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership… The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility.”
He further observed that Nigerians reflect the quality of leadership they receive: “Nigerians are what they are only because their leaders are not what they should be.” Achebe lamented the tendency of leaders to live in a world of illusions, prioritizing personal gain while ignoring the needs of the nation. His words captured the essence of a country rich in human and natural resources but crippled by selfish, corrupt, and visionless leadership.
More than four decades later, as Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, Achebe’s warning remains painfully relevant.
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A Nation of Contradictions
Nigeria stands today as a paradox — blessed with oil, gas, arable land, and a vibrant population, yet trapped in chronic underdevelopment. Roads are dilapidated, electricity supply remains unreliable, hospitals are under-equipped, and the political elite routinely travel abroad for basic healthcare.
Despite 65 years of independence, the dream of a strong and united nation remains unfulfilled.
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Roots of the Leadership Crisis
The seeds of Nigeria’s leadership challenges were sown soon after independence. Though founding fathers such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello envisioned a great future for the country, their ambitions were undermined by tribal rivalry, political competition, and weak national institutions.
The January 1966 coup, the counter-coup, and the bloody Civil War (1967–1970) signaled cracks in the nation’s leadership foundation. This was followed by decades of military rule characterized by corruption, authoritarianism, and excessive centralization of power. Instead of nurturing unity and progress, leadership became a tool for self-enrichment.
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Persistent Signs of Poor Leadership
Over the years, Nigeria’s political class has consistently displayed troubling leadership traits:
Corruption and looting of public funds without consequences.
Nepotism and favoritism, with appointments based on ethnicity and religion rather than merit.
Broken promises, as campaign pledges disappear after elections.
Weak institutions, where the judiciary, legislature, and security agencies are politicized.
Disregard for the rule of law and selective application of justice.
Poor service delivery in health, education, and infrastructure.
The result has been systemic decay across almost every sector.
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The Consequences
The cost of bad leadership has been enormous. While countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea — which were at similar levels of development as Nigeria in the 1960s — have become global economic powers, Nigeria remains stagnant.
In 1960, Nigeria and Malaysia shared similar GDP levels. Today, Malaysia’s GDP per capita exceeds $11,000, while Nigeria’s lingers below $2,000. Dubai, once a desert when Nigeria first discovered oil, has become a global hub. Nigeria, meanwhile, struggles with energy crises despite earning over $1 trillion in oil revenue since the 1970s.
The effects are visible everywhere:
Over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.
Youth unemployment hovers around 40%.
Nigeria borrows heavily, often to service debt rather than build infrastructure.
Terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping persist as leaders negotiate with criminals.
The “Japa” wave continues, with professionals leaving in search of better opportunities abroad.
Nigeria ranks 161 out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI).
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Voices of Concern
Across the political spectrum, both past leaders and present voices have echoed Achebe’s concerns.
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remarked: “Bad leadership is responsible for hunger, poverty, insecurity, and corruption in the country.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared: “Nigeria is not short of resources, but we are short of good leadership. Until we get it right, nothing will change.”
Even former Military President Ibrahim Babangida once admitted: “We all failed this country. We didn’t do enough.”
From elder statesmen to ordinary citizens, the judgment is unanimous: Nigeria’s biggest problem remains failed leadership.
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The Way Forward
For Nigeria to escape this cycle of decline, leadership reform must go beyond merely replacing one set of leaders with another. The country must transform the system that produces unfit leaders.
Key steps include:
Strengthening institutions such as the judiciary, INEC, police, and anti-corruption agencies to ensure true independence.
Prioritizing competence over ethnicity or religion in appointments.
Restructuring the political system to reduce the cost of governance.
Ensuring transparent, credible elections, free from vote-buying and manipulation.
Promoting voter education, civic awareness, and accountability.
Grooming future leaders through education, mentorship, and exposure rather than money politics.
Decentralizing power to empower state and local governments.
Citizens also carry responsibility. As long as corrupt leaders are celebrated, the cycle will persist. Nigerians must demand better governance, vote wisely, and hold leaders accountable.
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Achebe’s Enduring Message
Achebe once wrote: “You do not need to look far to know whether a country is well run. Just look at the quality of its leadership.”
Until Nigerians decisively reject bad leadership — both at the ballot box and through the law — the dream of national greatness will remain elusive.
The ultimate question remains: Will Nigerians rise to break the cycle, or will Achebe’s warning continue to echo another 65 years from now?
