society
Greed, Corruption and the Nigerian Malaise: Why We Are an Embarrassment to Ourselves
Greed, Corruption and the Nigerian Malaise: Why We Are an Embarrassment to Ourselves.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvaester |
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“How Self-Interest Has Undermined Nigeria’s Progress and What It Reveals About Our National Character.”
No nation’s identity is static, though it is forged in the crucible of history, culture, values and collective behaviour. Yet, for Nigeria, that crucible has, more often than not, revealed not our finest steel but our deepest corrosion. Today, billions around the world look at Nigeria not with admiration, but with exasperating disappointmentant not because we lack potential, but because we collectively betray it. The uncomfortable truth is this: Nigerians are an embarrassment to Nigeria when greed, corruption and self-interest become defining national traits.
This is not a cheap rhetorical flourish. It is a sober judgment backed by hard data, global indices and the frank observations of respected leaders and institutions.
A Nation Rankled by Corruption. The most authoritative global measure of corruption is the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published annually by Transparency International. In the 2024 CPI, Nigeria scored a shocking 26 out of 100, placing it 140th out of 180 countries and among the world’s most corrupt nations. Low scores and rankings in this index signify a public sector perceived as deeply corrupt, where abuse of entrusted power for private gain is systemic rather than exceptional.
To put that into perspective: countries with similar scores include Iraq and Madagascar, while nations renowned for governance integrity (like Denmark and Finland) score above 88.
This is not just a poor showing and it is an indictment of a culture in which the stealing of public resources is so normalized that it has become a defining feature of our national identity.
Greed, Not Resources, Is the Real Curse. Nigeria’s overwhelming wealth in human and natural resources should have made it the envy of nations. We possess vast oil reserves, energy and a youthful population with boundless entrepreneurial energy. Yet, instead of translating into widespread prosperity, this bounty has become a resource curse with a situation in which wealth fuels CORRUPTION rather than DEVELOPMENT.
Institutions meant to safeguard the public interest are instead captured by private interests. Billions of dollars from oil revenues, subsidies and contracts vanish into private pockets or are siphoned overseas. Even when recovered, these funds tell a story of how much was stolen in the first place. The United States recently returned $52.8 million in assets linked to a former Nigerian oil minister accused of embezzlement, underscoring how leadership greed has internationalized our shame.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (a figure deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s post-military history) has stated bluntly that greed, selfishness and ignorance are the root causes of Nigeria’s malaise, saying that these forces undermine our collective destiny.
When Greed Becomes a National Habit. Greed manifests itself not only among political elites, but across society. It shapes decisions, behaviour and norms. For too many, the overriding question is: “WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?” rather than “WHAT’S BEST FOR US ALL?”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has noted that greed, laziness and peer pressure drive many youths into fraud and economic crimes. These are not isolated cases, but widespread issues that shape the country’s international image.
This is not merely a problem of a few “BAD APPLES” but it is a CULTURAL PATHOLOGY that erodes trust, destroys livelihoods and undermines institutions. When corruption becomes normalised, honesty becomes a liability and greed becomes an expected behaviour rather than an aberration.
The Economic Toll of Corruption and Greed.
Greed is not only immoral but economically destructive. Transparency International’s CPI and numerous global studies show a clear negative correlation between corruption and economic growth. Countries perceived as more corrupt attract far less foreign investment, suffer from weaker institutional trust, and have lower GDP per capita.
In Nigeria’s case, despite being Africa’s largest economy by GDP, its GDP per capita remains among the lowest on the continent and a sign that wealth is concentrated in the hands of few, while the majority languish in poverty. Corruption diverts public funds away from essential services like healthcare, education, power and infrastructure these sectors that should form the backbone of prosperity.
A Crisis of Trust and Values. When citizens see leaders behaving selfishly, it erodes trust in the entire social contract. Surveys reveal that while most Nigerians disapprove of corruption, many tolerate or rationalize it as a necessary evil in a dysfunctional system. This is tragic because it means the very fabric of civic morality is fraying.
A society that tolerates petty bribery, nepotism and embezzlement in public life also tolerates it in business, family and community. This betrayal of collective interest for personal advancement slowly transforms national identity into caricature.
Voices of Conscience: Scholars and Experts Speak
Renowned scholars have long warned of the dangers of institutionalised corruption. Pauline Baker, former President of the Global Fund for Peace, described Nigeria as an archetype of the “RESOURCE CURSE”, where wealth without accountability fuels corruption that cripples development.
Similarly, experts from Chatham House point out that corruption in Nigeria is not an isolated phenomenon but deeply embedded in social norms and expectations, impacting every level of governance and daily life.
These are not abstract academic critiques, they are reflections of a lived reality where greed has become systemic and self-interest undermines collective prosperity.
Cultural Change, Not Just Institutional Reform. To claim that “Nigerians are an embarrassment to Nigeria” is not to condemn individuals wholesale, but to call out a destructive culture that prioritises self-enrichment over national wellbeing. Change must be cultural as much as it is institutional.
The whistle-blowing policy introduced by Nigeria in 2016 (offering rewards for exposing corruption) is one initiative aimed at shifting behaviour, but it is not enough by itself.
Nigerians must reclaim values like integrity, accountability and patriotism. We must demand transparency from leaders, reject the notion that corruption is an acceptable survival strategy, and foster a culture that honours hard work and honesty.
Final Take: A Call to National Consciousness. We can no longer hide behind excuses. Our low ranking on the corruption index, the billions lost to embezzlement and the societal tolerance for greed are not just statistics, they are the everyday realities that have made Nigeria an embarrassment to itself, but this is also a moment for introspection and renewal. If we confront our faults honestly, embrace accountability and reject greed at every level, Nigeria can still rise to fulfill its promise.
As former President Obasanjo said, the problem is not destiny; it is human shortcomings like GREED and SELFISHNESS that have chained us.
The path forward demands courage and it is the courage to do what is right even when it is hard, the courage to serve others before self and the courage to restore Nigeria’s honour not through empty slogans, but through integrity and collective resolve.
Only then will we transform from an EMBARRASSMENT to an INSPIRATION.
society
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship.
The Chief Imam of Agelete Central Mosque, Ikoyi Lagos, Alhaji Jamiu Asanbe, has urged Muslims to remain sincere in their acts of worship and avoid the temptation of seeking public praise for good deeds.
The respected Islamic scholar gave this admonition while delivering a lecture at the OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Lagos.
Speaking on the importance of sincerity in Islam, Sheikh Asanbe cautioned Muslim faithful against what he described as “showboating” — the practice of performing charitable acts or religious duties merely to gain recognition or admiration from others.
According to him, every act of worship in Islam must be done purely for the sake of Almighty Allah.
He explained that while acts such as prayer, fasting, and charity are fundamental pillars of faith, their true value lies in the intention behind them.
The cleric therefore encouraged Muslims to remain genuine in their devotion and avoid mixing their faith with the desire for worldly praise or attention.
Sheikh Asanbe also reminded the faithful that the holy month of Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal. He urged believers to increase acts of generosity, particularly by supporting the needy, vulnerable members of society, and orphans.
Earlier in her remarks, the Convener of the Ramadan Lecture and CEO of OWUTU FM, Hajia Adejoke Muyibat Balogun, encouraged attendees to use the sacred month as a time for reflection, self-improvement, and community development.
She described the lecture theme as carefully selected to promote spirituality, strengthen faith, and encourage peaceful coexistence within the community.
Balogun expressed appreciation to the numerous guests and supporters who attended the event, noting that their presence reflected the strong bond within the community.
She further reaffirmed OWUTU FM’s commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan Lecture, praying for Allah’s continued guidance and mercy in the years ahead.
The 2026 edition of the Ramadan Lecture attracted dignitaries and representatives from various organisations including Uzamot Communications, Okutex Fabrics, and the Yeye Asiwaju of Ojota Kingdom.
The event also featured engaging activities such as a quiz competition, where winners were presented with gifts. In the spirit of Ramadan, iftar meals were shared with guests, reinforcing the values of unity, generosity, and compassion that define the holy month.
Through initiatives like this, OWUTU FM continues to play a vital role in promoting faith-based dialogue, community engagement, and social harmony.
Tinubu Abroad, Nigeria in Chaos: The Spectacle of Elite Excess
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Government officials queue to bid him farewell as he departs, only to rush ahead and line up again to welcome him at his destination; a stark display of misaligned priorities in Nigerian leadership.”
Wednesday, March18, 2026
In a spectacle that has plunged Nigeria’s political class into fresh ignominy, a long line of federal ministers, governors, senators and political hangers‑on queued outside a London hotel this week to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR upon his arrival in the United Kingdom for a two‑day state visit.
Not only did these government officials send off Mr. Tinubu as he departed Nigeria (a ritual in itself excessive given the scale of pressing national crises) they rushed ahead to London to line the halls of his hotel, applauding and greeting him like conquering heroes arriving on foreign shores. This is how Nigeria’s elites now comport themselves while millions of citizens endure ever‑deepening hardship.
A Travesty of Priorities
Tinubu’s visit to the UK, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is officially billed as an effort to deepen trade relations, attract investment and strengthen bilateral cooperation between Britain and Africa’s most populous nation. While those diplomatic objectives in theory could benefit Nigeria, the optics of an entire political class fawning over a president abroad are unbearably grim against the backdrop of domestic suffering.
According to recent economic analysis, despite macroeconomic adjustments such as ending fuel subsidies and floating the naira, more than 60% of Nigerians still live in poverty and daily hardships are rampant. Security remains a grave concern with violence and banditry destabilising large swathes of the country. Instead of addressing these crises with urgency, Nigeria’s leadership appears fascinated with photo‑ops overseas.
“A System of Self‑Centred Elites”
Critics within Nigeria have not minced words. Political observers describe the spectacle as a display of self‑centred politics divorced from the realities facing ordinary citizens. One observer on social platforms summed up the broader sentiment: “Tinubu represents a system of self‑centred elites (elite consensus over popular will) and this is exactly the performative politics that lines like these embody.”
Dr. Godfrey Mwakikagile, a respected African scholar on post‑colonial governance, has long warned that bad leadership and lack of accountability are Africa’s greatest challenges. “Power in many African states is too centralised and concentrated in the hands of elites who use it to perpetuate themselves at the expense of the public good,” Mwakikagile recently argued; a critique that resonates all the more when ministers fly abroad not to pursue tangible policy but to line up like admirers.
The Cost of Foreign Pageantry
This isn’t the first time Tinubu’s foreign engagements have attracted scrutiny. His administration’s frequent travels (often with large entourages) have drawn criticism for prioritising optics over outcomes, especially when Nigeria’s economy contracts and its people struggle with food inflation and insecurity.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has been among the most vocal domestic critics of these priorities, noting that Tinubu’s extensive foreign travel (including to the UK) distracts from urgent national needs and has become a “matter of grave concern.” Obi insists that such actions reveal a leadership more interested in global visibility than domestic wellbeing.
Nigeria Jagajaga!
The phrase “Nigeria jagajaga” (loosely translated as Nigeria being in disarray) has never felt more apt. A nation where ministers greet presidents in plush foreign suites while citizens queue for food and services is a country deeply out of balance.
Instead of being welcomed like dignitaries abroad, ministers and governors should be at home addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s struggles: insecurity that displaces communities and kills livelihoods, an economy that leaves the majority impoverished despite reforms, and the persistent failings of governance that erode public trust.
What Nigerians Deserve
President Tinubu and his entourage should be judged not by the number of ministers who lined up to greet him in London, but by the lives changed back in Nigeria.
As scholars like Mwakikagile and critics like Obi remind us, political leadership must be accountable and grounded in service, not spectacle. Nigeria’s leaders owe the people more than applause at international hotels; they owe them safety, economic opportunity, and genuine progress.
If this nation is ever to break free from the cycle of “jagajaga,” then those in power must demonstrate sincerity, not pageantry; action, not admiration. The lines outside a London hotel are not a testament to leadership; they are a testament to where Nigeria’s priorities have tragically come to rest.
GENERAL BULAMA BIU MOURNS VICTIMS OF BORNO ATTACKS, CALLS FOR UNITY AND VIGILANCE**
In a solemn and heartfelt message, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu (Rtd), mni, the Sarkin Yakin Biu, has expressed profound grief over the recent tragic incidents of bomb explosions in Maiduguri and renewed violent attacks in several communities across Borno State.
This was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to the press.
The retired senior military officer described the assaults which affected areas including Ngoshe, Mandiragirau, Ajiri, and Buratai as “cruel and most barbaric,” particularly as they occurred during a period of deep religious observance for many residents. General Biu extended his condolences to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State, the people of the state, and especially the immediate families of the victims.
“These unfortunate attacks have painfully led to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties, a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face as a people,” he stated.
General Biu prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest (Jannatul Firdaus) and grants the injured a speedy recovery. He also commended the bravery and swift response of security agencies and emergency responders, acknowledging their tireless efforts to protect lives and restore peace in the state.
Addressing the resilient people of Borno, including elders, community leaders, associations, and the vibrant youth, General Biu urged steadfastness, unity, and increased vigilance. “Let us once again rejig our commitment and ensure we overcome this development. We have done it in time past, we can still do it now together,” he emphasized.
He further called on citizens not to allow “these cowardly acts to break our spirit or weaken our collective resolve to achieve lasting peace and stability.”
In strong terms, General Biu declared his solidarity with Governor Zulum, the state government, stakeholders, and all well-meaning citizens in condemning the attacks. He concluded his message with a prayer: “May Allah (SWT) bring lasting peace to Borno State and the entire nation.”
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