The True Nigerian

I remember when it was proposed that the naira should have a N5,000 single note, this received a lot of backlashes, I recall how I would sit with my friends and talk about how this move will greatly diminish the value of the Naira, well just recently I found out that Somalia has a 50,000-shilling note.

50,000 Somalian shilling

and that note is about N130,000 so how does that work? I actually thought we knew how economics works that time, Lol!!

current exchange rate of SOS to NGN as at 29th-Mar-2025

This has made me to always wonder, as citizens, do we really know what some of the policies we complain about are really meant to achieve? I grew up in a world where every bad situation is because of the president, or the governor, and the present administration is always worse than the previous one. What I have noticed now that am older is the inconsistency of this notions and I seriously want to get to the bottom of this and try to understand what is going on.

Romanticizing Military Rule? Here’s Why You’re Wrong

Something I remember engaging in which now that am older understand is a mis concept is recognizing military regimes as a form better than a democratically elected government. Legitimacy is the cornerstone of any government’s ability to govern effectively. For military regimes, this is a particular struggle, as their ascent to power typically circumvents the popular will. Unlike civilian dictatorships, which might still employ the veneer of elections or a political mandate, military regimes often lack a direct democratic endorsement. They may seek to establish legitimacy through performance legitimacy, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness in governance, or through narratives that position the military as the guardian of national unity and identity. While military regimes contributed to infrastructure and national unity, their rule largely hindered Nigeria’s democratic growth, economic stability, and institutional development. The transition to civilian rule in 1999 has allowed for more sustainable progress, despite ongoing challenges. Let me put this into perspective by listing some of the popular policies that are directly affecting governance up till this day.

1. Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) — Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993)

• What it was: SAP was introduced under General Ibrahim Babangida in 1986 as a policy recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. It aimed to restructure Nigeria’s economy by moving from a government-controlled system to a free-market economy.

Negative Impact:

• Devaluation of the Naira — The Naira lost its value significantly, leading to inflation and a sharp rise in the cost of living.
• Mass Retrenchment — The privatization of state-owned enterprises resulted in mass job losses, worsening poverty.
• Collapse of Local Industries — Import liberalization flooded the market with foreign goods, making it hard for Nigerian businesses to compete.
• Increased Debt — SAP forced Nigeria to borrow more, creating a debt crisis that still affects the country today.

2. Decree №4 (Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation) — Muhammadu Buhari (1983–1985)

• What it was: This decree was one of the most repressive press laws in Nigeria’s history. It banned journalists from reporting anything that could “embarrass” the government, even if it was true.

Negative Impact:

• Suppressed Freedom of Speech — Journalists were arrested and imprisoned for exposing government misconduct.
• Weakened Accountability — Government officials could act with impunity, leading to unchecked corruption.
• Lingering Media Censorship Culture — The fear of government crackdowns on the media has persisted, affecting press freedom even in civilian rule.

3. Indigenization Decree — Yakubu Gowon (1972)

• What it was: The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree (NEPD), also called the Indigenization Policy, was introduced to transfer ownership of businesses from foreign hands to Nigerians.

Negative Impact:

• Encouraged Cronyism & Corruption — Instead of promoting genuine Nigerian entrepreneurs, the policy allowed military elites and their friends to take over companies.
• Collapse of Many Companies — Most new Nigerian owners lacked the expertise to manage these businesses, leading to economic decline.
• Discouraged Foreign Investment — Many foreign companies left Nigeria, leading to job losses and economic stagnation.

4. Execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa — Sani Abacha (1993–1998)

• What it was: In 1995, General Sani Abacha sentenced environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others to death for protesting against Shell and the environmental destruction of Ogoni land in the Niger Delta.

Negative Impact:

• Human Rights Violation — This event damaged Nigeria’s global reputation and led to sanctions.
• Neglect of Niger Delta Development — The grievances of the Niger Delta people were ignored for decades, leading to militancy and oil bunkering.
• Environmental Degradation Continues — Oil pollution remains a major crisis in the Niger Delta due to lack of accountability.

5. Abandonment of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex — Various Military Regimes

• What it was: The Ajaokuta Steel Mill, a major industrial project, was started in the 1970s under Murtala Mohammed and continued under Obasanjo and Babangida. However, military mismanagement, corruption, and policy inconsistencies left it unfinished.

Negative Impact:

• Nigeria Remains Import-Dependent — If completed, Ajaokuta could have made Nigeria a major steel producer, reducing reliance on imports.
• Wasted Billions of Dollars — Over $8 billion has been spent on the project with no results.
• Loss of Industrial Jobs — The steel industry could have created millions of jobs.

The negative effects of military rule policies still shape Nigeria today, from economic hardship due to SAP, to press restrictions from Decree 4 to environmental issues in the Niger Delta. While some policies were meant to help, poor implementation, corruption, and lack of foresight led to long-term national setbacks.

Nigeria’s Silent Enemy: How Ignorance and Lawlessness Keep Us Stagnant

Don’t get me wrong, am not saying all of this as an excuse for our current sorry state, there is actually a serious incompetence in the ruling elites, though looking at some of the terrible policies made by the military regimes, we can actually see how they each directly contribute to our current plight, but then again, 30+ years is enough time to have turned these horrible policies around, but whose fault is it? let’s find out. Well, let me be blunt, this write up is not about the government, it is about how we the civilians are contributing to the bad governance we are pointing fingers elsewhere about. A significant factor in Nigeria’s struggles is the lack of civic awareness among its citizens, which contributes to poor governance and systemic failures. Many Nigerians do not fully understand government policies, their implications, or their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This ignorance creates a passive population that accepts bad policies without question, allowing leaders to exploit public funds and implement harmful economic decisions with little resistance. For example, many Nigerians support politicians based on ethnic or religious sentiments rather than their policies, leading to the election of leaders who prioritize personal or regional interests over national progress. Additionally, a widespread disregard for laws and regulations contributes to the country’s problems — ranging from tax evasion and illegal businesses to everyday corruption, such as bribing police officers instead of following due process. Citizens often complain about bad governance, yet many engage in acts like refusing to pay electricity bills, participating in election rigging, or littering the streets, which collectively worsen national development. Until Nigerians become more politically informed, demand accountability, and uphold societal rules, meaningful change will remain difficult, and leaders will continue to exploit their ignorance for selfish gains. We need to effectively educate ourselves, not pull information from influencers seeking attention on Tik-Tok or Instagram.

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I feel like it is Nigerians who are holding Nigeria back, not the other way around, recently it has become difficult for an average Nigerian to get jobs outside the country, this is due to the increase in cybercrime coming forth from our borders by our people, this has nothing to do with any government elite, how can you use bad government to justify theft? it's absolutely appalling if you ask me.

I would like to list some of the policies by the Tinubu-led regime that are promising, but have received negative comments due to lack of understanding.

​President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has introduced several policies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic and social challenges. While these initiatives hold promise, some have faced criticism and public outcry, often due to misunderstandings or a lack of comprehensive communication regarding their objectives and potential benefits. Notable examples include:​

1. Removal of Fuel Subsidy: In May 2023, the administration eliminated the longstanding fuel subsidy to reallocate funds toward critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. However, this led to an immediate tripling of petrol prices, causing transportation costs to soar and contributing to a cost-of-living crisis. Many Nigerians perceived this move as abrupt and inadequately managed, leading to widespread protests and frustration. Critics argue that the policy’s implementation lacked sufficient cushioning measures to mitigate its impact on the populace. ​AP News
2. Exchange Rate Unification: The government adopted a unified exchange rate system to attract foreign investment and enhance economic transparency. While economically strategic, this policy led to a significant devaluation of the Naira, resulting in increased prices for imported goods and contributing to inflation. The immediate hardships experienced by citizens overshadowed the policy’s long-term goals, leading to criticism that the administration failed to implement adequate measures to protect vulnerable populations during the transition. ​The Jurist Newspaper
3. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative: Following the removal of petrol subsidies, the government launched a CNG program to utilize Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves and reduce transportation costs by nearly 50%. Despite its potential benefits, the initiative faced slow adoption due to inadequate infrastructure, poor implementation, and limited public awareness. Skepticism and misinformation about CNG’s safety and efficiency further hindered its acceptance among the populace. ​AP News
4. Single-Use Plastic Ban: In December 2024, Nigeria announced a ban on single-use plastics effective January 2025 to address severe waste management issues. Despite the environmental benefits, the policy was met with public unpreparedness and minimal awareness. Economic hardships and concerns over the cost of alternatives led many Nigerians to view the ban as ill-timed and burdensome, highlighting the need for better public sensitization and support measures. ​The Guardian
5. Tax Reform Bill: The administration proposed a tax reform plan aimed at curbing inflation and increasing government revenue. The plan includes nearly doubling the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 12.5% by 2026, with exemptions for essential items. However, critics argue that the VAT increase could hinder consumption and industry growth. Additionally, a proposal to allocate 60% of VAT revenues to revenue-generating states has sparked controversy, with concerns that it may exacerbate regional inequalities. ​Reuters+1ft.com+1

These instances underscore the importance of comprehensive public engagement and education when implementing significant policy changes. Ensuring that citizens understand the rationale, benefits, and transitional measures associated with new policies can foster greater acceptance and reduce resistance rooted in misinformation or lack of awareness.

Conclusion: The Power of Self-Accountability and Education

Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved by government policies alone; the responsibility also lies with the people. While leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future, citizens must actively engage in governance, hold leaders accountable, and educate themselves on policies that affect their lives. A lack of awareness leads to misinformation, blind political loyalty, and resistance to necessary reforms. When citizens understand policies, they can demand better implementation instead of outright rejection due to fear or confusion.

Beyond policy awareness, self-accountability is essential. Many Nigerians criticize the government yet engage in everyday corruption — bribing officials, evading taxes, or disobeying basic laws. True progress starts when individuals commit to honesty, lawfulness, and active participation in nation-building. Educated, informed, and responsible citizens are the foundation of any developed society. If Nigeria is to overcome its struggles, its people must first take responsibility for their role in shaping the nation’s destiny.