society
The Lootocracy: Why Nigeria Bleeds Despite Its Riches
The Lootocracy: Why Nigeria Bleeds Despite Its Riches.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“From SENATORS padding budgets to GOVERNORS hoarding salaries, from MINISTERS stealing oil money to ORDINARY NIGERIANS demanding bribes – CORRUPTION is not just in government, it is in the people. Nigeria’s curse is not resources, but the greed that runs through POWER and SOCIETY.”
The Grand Theft Called Governance. Nigeria, the so-called “GIANT of AFRICA,” sits on vast oil reserves, fertile land and an energetic population of over 220 million. Yet it remains one of the poverty capitals of the world. Why? Because the wealth of the nation has been consistently looted, not only by PRESIDENT’S and MILITARY RULERS, but by SENATORS, MINISTERS, GOVERNORS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN and tragically, by ORDINARY CITIZENS who participate in the culture of corruption.
According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), over $582 billion in oil revenue has disappeared through corruption and mismanagement since independence in 1960. This figure is almost double Nigeria’s current GDP. While nations like the UAE and Qatar used oil wealth to build futuristic cities, Nigeria’s leaders turned oil into a curse, looting it to build mansions in Dubai, buy apartments in London and stash billions in Swiss accounts.
As Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso, once said: “A soldier without any political education is a potential criminal.” In Nigeria, leaders without moral education became criminals in power.
PRESIDENT’S and HEADS of STATE: The Original Looters. It would be hypocritical to discuss looting without mentioning Nigeria’s presidents and military rulers. General Sani Abacha, who ruled from 1993 to 1998, looted an estimated $5 billion, part of which is still being repatriated from Switzerland and the U.S. today. His name remains a global synonym for kleptocracy.
Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian regime (1999–2007), though hailed for debt relief, was dogged by corruption in privatization deals. Power sector contracts worth $16 billion vanished with little to show in electricity supply.
Goodluck Jonathan’s administration (2010–2015) witnessed unprecedented oil theft, with former Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi alleging that $20 billion was missing from NNPC accounts.
Even today, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president, is frequently accused by opposition and civil groups of building a vast political and financial empire on questionable sources, echoing the pattern of looting entrenched in Nigerian politics.
As Chinua Achebe declared in The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
SENATORS: Millionaires in Robes. Nigeria’s National Assembly is one of the most expensive in the world. According to a 2018 report by The Economist, each Nigerian senator earns over $450,000 annually in salaries and allowances, in a country where the minimum wage is less than Us$50 (₦30,000/₦70,000, though in some states). Beyond their bloated pay, senators pad budgets, demand kickbacks for constituency projects and sometimes pocket funds for projects that never exist.
In 2020, an investigation revealed that billions allocated to “CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS” across Nigeria had either been abandoned or poorly executed. Roads that were supposed to be built remain death traps, health centers remain uncompleted and water boreholes remain dry; yet the money was collected.
Nelson Mandela once said: “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right.” Nigerian senators, instead of fighting poverty, have institutionalized injustice.
MINISTERS and Oil Barons: The Big Thieves. No sector has been looted like Nigeria’s oil industry. Under Diezani Alison-Madueke, petroleum minister during Jonathan’s administration, billions vanished through shady oil deals. The U.S. Department of Justice seized over $144 million in assets linked to her alleged corruption, including luxury homes and jewelry.
Oil subsidies have also been a cash cow for thieves. In 2012, a government probe revealed that ₦1.7 trillion ($10 billion) was fraudulently claimed by fuel importers and government officials. Instead of subsidizing fuel for the masses, the scheme became a pipeline of wealth into private pockets.
GOVERNORS: Lords of the States. State governors, often referred to as “EMPERORS in AGBADA,” control billions in federal allocations. Many treat their states as personal estates. Former Delta State Governor James Ibori was convicted in the UK in 2012 for laundering over $250 million. In 2021, the British government returned £4.2 million of his loot.
In Plateau State, former Governor Joshua Dariye was jailed for embezzling ₦1.1 billion meant for ecological projects. Former Taraba Governor Jolly Nyame was convicted for diverting ₦1.6 billion of state funds. The list goes on.
Meanwhile, ordinary workers in these states often go months without salaries, pensioners die waiting for payments and infrastructure collapses.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: The Forgotten Looters. At the grassroots, local government Chairmen (who should be closest to the people) often act as petty kings. Federal allocations to LGAs run into billions annually, but most Nigerians can hardly point to functioning primary schools, healthcare centers or roads built by their local governments. Instead, the funds vanish into private accounts, with no accountability.
The People’s Complicity. It is easy to point fingers at leaders, but ordinary Nigerians are also complicit. Police officers DEMAND ₦1000 bribes on the highways. Civil servants INFLATE contracts. Market women ADD “extra charges” to customers. Parents pay to SECURE jobs for their children. When corruption becomes a way of life, leadership simply reflects the people.
As Plato warned centuries ago: “The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” Nigerians who normalize corruption are silently paving the way for more looters in power.
The Cost of Looting. The consequences of looting are everywhere. Nigeria has over 133 million people living in multidimensional poverty, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022). Roads are death traps, hospitals lack equipment and universities go on endless strikes. The country, once an agricultural powerhouse, now imports basic food items.
Every billion stolen is a hospital unbuilt, a school unfunded, a road unrepaired and a job lost. Looting is not an abstract crime; it kills, slowly but surely.
Nigeria’s Looting in Numbers
$582 Billion – Oil revenue lost to corruption since 1960 (NEITI).
133 Million Nigerians – Living in multidimensional poverty (NBS, 2022).
$450,000/year – What each senator earns in salaries and allowances (The Economist).
$5 Billion – Looted by General Sani Abacha alone (World Bank/DOJ).
₦1.7 Trillion ($10 Billion) – Fuel subsidy fraud uncovered in 2012.
$16 Billion – Power sector funds under Obasanjo’s watch, with little result.
£250 Million – James Ibori’s stolen wealth laundered abroad (UK conviction).
₦30,000/₦70,000 (less than $50) – Nigeria’s minimum monthly wage.
“Every billion stolen is a hospital unbuilt, a school unfunded, a road unrepaired and a job lost.”
A Call to Reckoning. Nigeria cannot continue like this. As Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, once said: “Corruption is the single biggest obstacle to Nigeria’s development.” Until looters (from presidents to LG chairmen, from senators to citizens) are punished and systemic reforms are enforced, Nigeria will remain trapped in underdevelopment.
The people must also rise. Protests like #EndSARS showed that Nigerians can mobilize against injustice. Anger must now move beyond hashtags. Citizens must demand accountability at every level, vote out corrupt politicians and refuse to normalize bribery in daily life.
The Way Forward: Nigeria needs a rebirth. A rebirth where OIL WEALTH builds industries, not foreign mansions. Where SENATORS legislate for the people, not for their pockets. Where GOVERNORS become servants, not emperors. Where LOCAL GOVERNMENTS bring development, not decay. Where CITIZENS reject corruption in all its forms.
The looting of Nigeria’s wealth is not just a failure of government; it is a betrayal by an entire system. The time has come to end this betrayal.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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