How Nigeria Continues to Fail Its Citizens—The Cycle of Incompetence and Corruption

Ese lovina Ukpeseraye

Nigeria’s reputation for rewarding incompetence and corruption has once again been thrust into the spotlight, highlighting a cycle that continues to erode public trust and hinder national progress. The recent scandal involving Nigerian cyclist Ese Lovina Ukpeseraye at the Paris 2024 Olympics is the latest example of how the nation’s leaders are failing their citizens, particularly those who strive to represent the country on the global stage.

Ukpeseraye, who was called up at the last minute to compete in the Keirin and Sprint events, found herself without a bicycle to race with. In an embarrassing turn of events, it was the German team, in the spirit of sportsmanship, that stepped in to provide her with a bike. Ukpeseraye took to Twitter to express her gratitude:

“Due to the short notice of me competing at the keirin & Sprint, #teamNigeria I had no bicycle to race with on the tracks. In d spirit of sportsmanship the German team @bunddeutscherradfahr came to my rescue by offering me a bicycle. Thank you🙌🙌🙌.”
— @Ese_Ukpeseraye

This incident is symptomatic of a broader issue—Nigeria’s chronic failure to adequately support its athletes and citizens, even as it spends lavishly on corruption and political patronage. The government seems to have funds available for those in power but consistently neglects those who truly represent the nation’s interests, whether in sports, education, or other vital sectors.

A History of Corruption and Incompetence

This failure is not isolated. It is part of a longstanding pattern where the Nigerian government, instead of addressing systemic issues, continues to reward those with questionable records. One glaring example is the appointment of individuals like Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2015 for alleged multi-billion naira fraud during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio's arrest was the result of an investigation into the theft of N108.1 billion from the state treasury. Despite the severity of these allegations, Akpabio has managed to maintain his political career, ascending to one of the highest offices in the country. His rise, despite his tainted past, underscores the entrenched culture of rewarding corruption in Nigeria.

This troubling trend is further exemplified by President Bola Tinubu's recent appointment of a controversial former Lagos lawmaker. The lawmaker had previously been implicated in a scandal involving the diversion of COVID-19 palliatives, using them as personal birthday souvenirs in 2020. Despite the public outcry and the lawmaker’s subsequent loss of re-election, Tinubu has now appointed her to a prominent position within his administration.

The Impact on Nigeria’s Youth and Future

These actions have devastating consequences, particularly for Nigeria’s youth. Promising young athletes like Ukpeseraye, as well as talented professionals in other fields, are increasingly disillusioned with a system that fails to support them while rewarding those who have looted the nation’s wealth. This disillusionment drives many to seek opportunities abroad, contributing to the brain drain that deprives Nigeria of the talent and energy needed for its development.

Nigeria’s leadership appears more interested in maintaining the status quo than in fostering a meritocratic society where competence and integrity are valued. This is evident in the continuous appointment of individuals with records of corruption, sending a clear message that dishonesty and incompetence are pathways to power in Nigeria.

The Urgent Need for Accountability and Reform

As long as Nigeria continues to appoint looters and corrupt individuals to positions of authority, meaningful change will remain elusive. The cycle of incompetence and corruption not only erodes public trust but also stifles the country’s potential. For Nigeria to move forward, there must be a decisive break from this pattern. Leaders must be held accountable, and those with tainted records should not be allowed to occupy positions of influence.

The situation involving Ukpeseraye at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a microcosm of the larger failures plaguing Nigeria. It illustrates how the nation’s priorities are skewed, with resources being misallocated to sustain corruption rather than support those who strive to uplift the country’s image and future.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s path to progress is being blocked by a cycle of incompetence and corruption that permeates all levels of government. As long as leaders continue to reward those who have exploited the system, the country will struggle to achieve the change it desperately needs. The Nigerian people, particularly the youth, deserve better. They deserve a government that supports them, values merit, and works tirelessly to ensure that the nation’s resources are used to benefit all, not just a corrupt few.