By Nafisa Ismail Sadiq
As a concerned Nigerian, I feel deeply disappointed in our leaders and ourselves. When President Bola Tinubu assumed office, many hoped for a significant shift. After years of enduring bad governance, we were desperate for leadership that would bring transparency and accountability. However, instead of progress, his administration has deepened our despair.
Bad governance didn’t begin with Tinubu’s administration. It has plagued Nigeria for decades. According to a study by the “Council on Foreign Relations” (CFR), corruption and bad governance have been key factors in Nigeria’s underdevelopment since the military era, particularly following the first military coup in 1966. The report highlights how the military regimes laid the foundation for systemic corruption that has persisted into civilian rule.
Yet, Tinubu’s rise to power came with promises of change. Many Nigerians believed that his leadership would mark the end of this destructive cycle. Unfortunately, as a report from “Transparency International” in 2023 indicates, Nigeria remains among the most corrupt countries globally, ranking 150 out of 180 in the Corruption Perceptions Index. This has cast a shadow over any hope for reform under the current administration.
On August 1, Nigerians took to the streets in protest. The protests lasted for ten days and were driven by frustrations over rising fuel prices, food costs, and economic hardship.
When President Tinubu addressed the nation, many expected solutions or a roadmap to alleviate the suffering. However, political analyst Ayo Obe noted, “The President’s address was a missed opportunity to connect with the people and provide tangible solutions.” Instead of relief, Nigerians were met with more hardship—fuel subsidies were removed, and prices soared, pushing many into deeper poverty.
The removal of fuel subsidies, which the government argued was necessary to stabilize the economy, has had devastating effects. According to a “World Bank” report, the removal has led to a 40% increase in transportation costs, which has cascaded into higher food prices and other essential goods. This has further strained the already stretched budgets of ordinary Nigerians.
The protests, which started with hope, ended in silence. The momentum faded, and the issues we protested against remain unresolved. The media has moved on, and our leaders have offered no real solutions.
The tragic loss of innocent lives during the protests is a stark reminder of the high cost of bad governance. As noted in “Human Rights Watch” reports, the Nigerian government’s response to demonstrations often involves excessive force, leading to unnecessary casualties.
Given this history, it’s clear that we need new strategies to address our challenges. Political scientist Larry Diamond states, “Strengthening civil society is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic development.” Civil society organizations (CSOs) are vital in holding governments accountable and advocating for political reforms.
Moreover, technology offers a powerful tool for promoting transparency. In a 2022 paper, the “Brookings Institution” highlighted how blockchain technology could revolutionize governance in Africa by preventing the manipulation of elections, budgets, and resource allocation. Nigeria, with its tech-savvy youth, is well-positioned to leverage these innovations.
The solution isn’t in one man or one protest. It’s in our collective action, our shared resolve. We must come together to unite to build a better Nigeria. This is our moment. If we don’t seize it, the silence we hear now will only deepen, and our country will be the one that suffers.
Nafisa Ismail Sadiq wrote via nafisasadiq005@gmail.com.