By LUCY CHINDABA & KENNETH DARENG
Nigeria’s journey since gaining nationhood, particularly over the past few decades, has been rough and bumpy, with no clear destination in sight. It is a nation grappling with a leadership deficit and the abysmal performance of those at the helm.
The absence of vision from those in charge has placed the country on a precarious path, akin to a rollercoaster heading towards a precipice. History shows that the present generation’s political class has consistently ignored the need to build development frameworks around its citizens. Today, this negligence haunts the nation’s political landscape, where genuine progress remains elusive.
Despite 63 years of independence, Nigeria, which prides itself on being the ‘Giant of Africa’, continues to lag behind its contemporaries within and beyond the continent. While countries like Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and Botswana have made significant strides since gaining independence, Nigeria seems to be crawling in comparison.
Beyond the continent, six decades ago, Nigeria’s peers included Brazil, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and other Asian tigers. These nations are now economically self-reliant with strong institutions driving development for the benefit of their citizens. Regrettably, Nigeria cannot count itself among such success stories.