By Chidimma Obi
Chinua Achebe insightfully identified that “the trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” This statement invites us to explore its deeper implications. What factors have contributed to this challenge becoming Nigeria’s original sin? Additionally, what structural and leadership obstacles continue to impede Nigeria’s advancement? These issues are not fundamentally insurmountable. Therefore, it is essential to consider the necessary elements that could contribute to a viable solution.
On December 4, 2024, Osita Chidoka, the Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a think tank based in Abuja, Nigeria, joined Patrick O. Okigbo III, the Founding Partner of Nextier, to discuss these important questions. Chidoka is uniquely positioned to provide useful insights. As a young man in his early 30s, he became a foundational member of the Peoples Democratic Party and one of the party’s leading intellectual ideologues, contributing to efforts to develop the party’s defining ethos. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation under President Goodluck Jonathan and as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He also played significant roles in three presidential campaigns: 2007, 2019, and 2023.
Achebe’s seminal book, “The Trouble with Nigeria,” was the jump-off point for the conversation. While Chidoka emphasised the critical role of leadership in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, he asserted that this perspective oversimplifies the complexities at hand. He pointed out that the fundamental issue lies in Nigeria’s design as a “distributional state,” which is primarily focused on the allocation of existing resources rather than the creation of new wealth. This structural design operates according to its intended framework, indicating the necessity for a comprehensive redesign to achieve more favourable outcomes. Ultimately, no amount of cosmetic improvement will suffice if the underlying structure remains unstable.
The shaky substructure dates back to Nigeria’s origins as an independent state. The colonial powers established and operated an extractive economic model, which has had lasting effects. Unfortunately, the initial leadership in Nigeria did not create an inclusive and productive framework for the nation. Since then, subsequent administrations have focused on refining the distribution of resources rather than engaging in a comprehensive reevaluation of the nation’s structure and priorities.
Nigeria’s leadership challenges can be traced back to its formative years, particularly due to certain structural deficiencies. One significant issue has been the rapid establishment of regional and state governments. As noted by Chidoka, this swift proliferation resulted in a dilution of talent and expertise within the bureaucracy. Many individuals who had not yet acquired the necessary training and experience were elevated to senior positions within their newly formed states. This situation has, in turn, hindered the development of a robust and competent civil service, ultimately weakening the capacity of state governments to effectively manage and develop their resources.
The proliferation of states, coupled with a revenue allocation system that directs fiscal resources to these states without necessitating the generation of their own revenue, has led to the emergence of a distributional state model. This approach disincentivises states from developing their own resources and fosters a reliance on federal allocations, which in turn impedes overall economic growth and development.
Furthermore, Chidoka provided a critical analysis of the post-civil war consensus, which centralised power at the federal level and left states weakened and incapable of driving meaningful development. This centralisation, Chidoka argued, stifles innovation and reinforces the Nigerian state’s distributional nature.
Chidoka is not just a diagnostician; he offered a roadmap for change. He explained that the key to Nigeria’s transformation lies in fixing the very foundation of democracy: elections. He argues that ensuring credible polls is crucial for establishing legitimate leadership and ensuring accountability to the people. He didn’t mince words when describing the current state of Nigeria’s elections as “shameless.” He discussed the Athena Centre’s work analysing Nigeria’s recent elections; their findings on how elections are rigged, and simple legal and operational tweaks to deliver more credible elections. For instance, publishing accreditation numbers, uploading scanned ballot papers, introducing audit systems and eliminating multiple layers of collation. He also suggested civil actions against electoral officers who falsify results. Cautioning against over-reliance on external actors, he emphasised the need for Nigeria to drive change from within.
Other recommendations to improve governance include ensuring the elected president secures at least 51% of the vote. He believes this will reduce the perception of illegitimacy that often undermines government efforts. He also suggested abolishing the second term for the presidency to encourage leaders to focus on development rather than re-election campaigns.
For Chidoka, the path forward involves more than just fixing institutions; it requires a mindset shift. Education and dialogue, he said, are critical tools for fostering a shared sense of purpose. Platforms like Nextier’s Development Discourse are vital in engaging citizens and building the intellectual foundation for change.
Chidoka also proposed a clear articulation of what Nigeria stands for—a unifying ethos that transcends hollow slogans like “unity and faith.” He suggested that Nigeria needs to achieve consensus on what defines the nation’s essence and purpose. He uses the national anthem to illustrate his point. He explained that merely singing the anthem without genuinely committing to its ideals will not bring about the desired change. He welcomed President Tinubu’s decision to revert to the original anthem, stating that he had always advocated for the change. However, he criticised the method of its reintroduction. He believes bringing back the anthem through the National Assembly without a broader national discussion was a missed opportunity. According to him, a robust national debate on the anthem’s meaning would have allowed Nigerians to internalise its message, enabling it to serve as a guiding principle for a new Nigeria. He explained how true patriotism cannot be instilled through external measures but must stem from a shared national consensus on the purpose and meaning of Nigeria. Only then can symbols like the national anthem inspire and unite the people.
He also called for the formation of a “coalition of hope” in response to Nigeria’s deep-seated challenges. This coalition would consist of like-minded individuals united by a shared belief in Nigeria’s potential and a commitment to realising it. He urged the coalition to focus initially on non-contentious issues, such as ensuring credible elections, before addressing more divisive matters.
However, the coalition’s primary role would be to pressure the political class to implement crucial reforms, mobilising public opinion and emphasising the potential consequences of inaction. He further suggested that the coalition aim to make significant progress by 2025 to set the stage for a credible election in 2027. Achieving this goal, he argued, would send a powerful message that Nigeria is ready for change, encouraging leaders to prioritise national development over personal gain. He also called on the post-civil war generation to join the “coalition of hope.” Having grown up in a more unified Nigeria and witnessed its potential, this generation is uniquely positioned to lead the transformation.
The conversation also touched on regionalism. Chidoka emphasised that no region in Nigeria has demonstrated a superior model of governance that justifies secessionist arguments. This aligns with his earlier points about internalising the spirit of the old national anthem. For example, he suggested that the following line should serve as a mantra: “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand.” He further highlighted the importance of the line “To build a nation where no man is oppressed” as a reminder of the need to create a just and equitable society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
The conversation took a reflective turn when Chidoka discussed his political journey. He addressed his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, citing its lack of vision and failure to act effectively as an opposition party. Responding to a question about his interest in governing Anambra state, he affirmed his continued interest in serving his state but conditioned his participation on meaningful electoral reforms.
(Chidimma Linda Obi is the Producer of Development Discourse with Patrick O. Okigbo III; and a Senior Analyst at Nextier)
