Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
Nigeria is a nation abundantly blessed — a land of vast natural resources, fertile soil, vibrant culture, and a people endowed with resilience, creativity, and unmatched determination. By its very potential, Nigeria is not poor; what holds us back is not the absence of wealth, but the mismanagement of what we have, the neglect of local capacity, and the erosion of genuine national loyalty.
This reality is not unique to Nigeria — it mirrors the circumstances of many African nations. From the bustling streets of Accra to the fertile farmlands of Kinshasa, and from the mineral-rich mountains of Zambia to the oil-rich coasts of Angola, the same paradox persists: vast wealth coexisting with scarcity. Across the continent, countries with immense human and material resources remain shackled by underdevelopment, policy inconsistency, weak infrastructure, and the weight of governance failures.
At the heart of the problem is not just what we lack, but how we think, lead, and act. Old attitudes — such as short-term opportunism, dependence on external solutions, and tolerance for corruption — work directly against the basic principles of a progress agenda. Without a deliberate change in mindset, behavior, and governance culture, no amount of external aid or natural endowment can guarantee lasting prosperity.
If we are to rise, we must chart a course built on homegrown growth and a modernized approach to national development. This means:
Cultivating an economy that thrives on local production and value addition before exports leave our shores.
Strengthening indigenous industries and empowering small and medium-scale enterprises is crucial for job creation.
Reducing overdependence on foreign imports by developing agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and the creative sector.
Ensuring that the wealth generated within Africa remains in African hands through strategic trade policies and regional cooperation.
Modern challenges require modern solutions. In the 21st century, progress is driven by innovation, technology adoption, and data-informed decision-making. Africa — and Nigeria in particular — must:
Invest in science and technology as pillars of development.
Build a robust digital infrastructure that connects rural and urban communities alike.
Support research and development that solves distinctly African problems, from food security to renewable energy.
Embrace global best practices in governance while maintaining cultural values that promote unity, respect, and community growth.
For this transformation to occur, we must uproot attitudes and behaviors that sabotage national progress — corruption, wastefulness, tribalism, and nepotism must give way to integrity, accountability, and meritocracy. Leaders must not only talk reform but live it daily, and citizens must reject the normalization of misconduct at every level of society.
Economic revival cannot succeed without national protection — not merely defending borders but safeguarding:
Our oil, gas, and mineral resources are being exploited.
Our forests, rivers, and farmlands from destruction.
Our intellectual property and innovations are being stolen.
Above all, the dignity, rights, and opportunities of our people.
Patriotism is not just a show of allegiance at sporting events or independence celebrations — it is a daily decision, evident in the ethics of our work, the integrity of our trade, and the bravery to prioritize national interest over personal gain. Whether in the marketplace or the presidency, every African has a part to play in rebuilding trust, strengthening institutions, and reinstating pride in our nations.
Our greatness is not a distant dream; it is an achievable reality. Scarcity should not discourage us — it should awaken us to the urgency of disciplined action, unity of purpose, and modern thinking. If Nigeria, alongside its African neighbors, can embrace a shared vision anchored in commitment and accountability, our current challenges will become stepping stones to prosperity.
Regrettably, the time to act is not in the distant future. It is now. Together, we will restore Nigeria — and Africa — to its former glory. Let’s start today.
Courtesy of MEFoundation