THIS is one of the most common statements Nigerians make. Everyone seems to have their own answer. Ask people in any part of the country, and you will hear different reasons for the nation’s struggles. Some will blame bad roads, poor electricity, tribalism, corruption, or insecurity. These concerns are real, but they do not tell the whole story.
To understand Nigeria’s challenges, we must be willing to face two truths at the same time.
The first truth is that many of our leaders have failed the people. Public money meant for development often disappears into private pockets. Projects are abandoned while citizens continue to suffer. Politicians make promises during campaigns and forget them after winning elections. This failure has caused pain and frustration across the country, and people have every right to be angry.
The second truth is less comfortable to discuss.
Many of the same people who complain about corruption also take part in it. A person may spend the morning criticizing a corrupt politician and later offer a bribe to avoid a process or gain an advantage. A parent may complain about the poor state of education but still pressure a teacher to change a child’s results. People often complain about dirty streets and blocked drainage systems, yet throw waste into the gutters without thinking twice.
Too often, we act as if we are only victims of a broken system. The reality is that many of us help keep that system alive through our daily actions.
A responsible society does not spend all its time pointing fingers. It also takes time to look inward.
The leaders we criticize did not come from another planet. They grew up among us. They attended our schools, lived in our communities, worshipped in our churches and mosques, and shared the same society with us.
Many times, we see signs of dishonesty and choose to ignore them. Sometimes we even celebrate people who suddenly become wealthy without any clear source of income. During elections, many voters pay more attention to tribe, religion, or personal connections than to competence, character, or plans for development.
Recognizing this does not excuse bad leadership. Leaders who steal public funds should face justice. Leaders who abuse power should be held accountable. However, national progress will remain difficult if citizens continue to accept dishonesty in everyday life while expecting perfect leaders to appear.
The truth is simple: leadership often reflects the values of the society that produces it. A dirty mirror cannot show a clean image.
Real change will not begin only in government offices or political meetings. It must begin in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. It starts with simple choices that may seem small but have a lasting impact. It means refusing to pay bribes. It means doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. It means teaching children that honesty matters more than wealth and that good character is worth more than material possessions.
No nation becomes great through excuses. Strong nations are built on integrity, responsibility, patience, and respect for what is right.
Nigeria will begin to change when we stop asking, “When will they change?” and start asking, “When will I change?”
That question may be uncomfortable, but real progress comes from honesty, self-examination, and a willingness to take responsibility.
- West is a seasoned journalist and development practitioner with over a decade of experience in media, human rights advocacy, and NGO leadership. Her syndicated column, The Wednesday Lens, is published every Wednesday in News Point Nigeria newspaper. She can be reached at bomawest111@gmail.com.