I’ve spent years studying development economics, but you don’t need a PhD to understand what’s happening in Nigeria today. Just open your eyes. The real war in this country isn’t against poverty, insecurity or corruption, it’s a war against conscience.
The tragedy of Nigeria is simple: those in power would rather silence the few good voices than fix what’s broken. Reformers are hunted. Patriots are mocked. Anyone who speaks the truth is tagged an enemy of progress. But the real enemies are those looting our future in broad daylight.
A System That Punishes Integrity
Nigeria’s political elite aren’t just indifferent, they’re dangerous. They don’t just ignore the suffering of everyday Nigerians. They actively attack those who want to change things. Good people in government are sidelined, discredited, or forced out, simply because they choose integrity over dirty deals.
In a country where millions are jobless, where hospitals lack basic drugs, and children learn in classrooms with no roofs, sitting on the floor, our leaders are busy buying luxury SUVs and spraying billions on election campaigns like Yahoo boys with a short life span. What kind of conscience does that?
Poverty Is Now a Political Strategy
Let’s stop pretending. Poverty in Nigeria isn’t just a problem, it’s a strategy. A hungry, fearful population is easier to control. Insecurity creates excuses for endless “security votes” that no one can track. Corruption doesn’t just exist, it feeds off the chaos.
The Nigerian state, in many cases, has become a cartel: protect the corrupt, punish the honest. Those who fight for reform are branded “saboteurs,” “foreign agents,” or “enemies of the party.” Meanwhile, those who steal public funds are rewarded with appointments, contracts, and even national honours.
So, What’s the Way Forward?
It starts with one word: conscience. We must stop tolerating leaders who have none. In every election, we must ask: does this person care about people, or just power? Competence matters, but character must matter more.
Young people, religious leaders, business owners, the media, we must all stop normalizing bad leadership. Let’s raise our voices for those still fighting for what’s right, and expose those whose silence is killing this country.
Time Is Running Out
Nigeria is at a tipping point. We can either speak up, stand up, and clean up or continue to decay in silence. Our children will inherit the choice we make today.
History won’t just remember the thieves. It will remember those of us who watched and said nothing.
Dr. Austin Abu Achimugu is an entrepreneur and holds a PhD in Development Economics and Planning. He writes from Abuja.