By Nnaoke Ufere, PhD
President Tinubu’s recent introduction of the 31-member Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) aims to revitalize Nigeria’s ailing economy and enhance citizen welfare.
However, in doing so, he overlooked a vital chance to address the underlying fatal flaws that have led to our current state. These untruths, delusions and false assumptions have significantly hindered our progress, and their absence in the council’s agenda is another missed chance for genuine reform.
To break the cycle of decline, starvation, mass suffering and deaths, we must engage in honest conversations about the core issues affecting our nation and work towards meaningful solutions. As James Baldwin aptly said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” With a sense of urgency, we must now confront these fatal flaws.
This essay enumerates the underlying cardinal sins the PECC must confront with courage, honesty, and transparency. Failure to address these fundamental problems will only prolong our suffering, waste our time, and risk destabilizing the nation. The truth is our only hope for a brighter future.
This challenge extends far beyond the PECC’s mandate. Let us collectively embark on a journey of introspection and constructive conversation, recognizing that our nation’s progress hinges on confronting harsh realities.
By facing the truth together, we can pave the way for a brighter future and build a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria for generations to come. It is only through this collective effort that we can truly move forward, harnessing our diversity and strengths to create a better tomorrow for all Nigerians.
16 Deadly Sins
Deadly Sin #1: We have assumed a unified vision for the nation’s future, overlooking the diverse aspirations, vastly different dreams, and expectations that vary greatly among our different ethnic groups, each with their own distinct cultural and national identities; religious communities, each with their own beliefs and values; geographic regions, each with their own unique challenges and opportunities; socioeconomic groups, each with their own struggles and aspirations; and generational groups, each with their own perspectives and priorities.
This assumption has led us to ignore the diverse needs and concerns of various groups, impose a one-size-fits-all approach to national development, overlook the importance of inclusive and participatory decision-making, fail to recognize the value of diversity in shaping the nation’s future, and risk marginalizing already vulnerable groups.
By acknowledging and embracing our different aspirations, dreams, and expectations, we can foster a more inclusive and participatory approach to national development, develop a customized vision that reflects the diverse needs and concerns of all groups, build a more equitable and just society, promote social cohesion and national unity, and create a brighter future for all.
Deadly Sin #2: We have falsely assumed a sense of mutual trust among our diverse populations, disregarding longstanding suspicions rooted in historical injustices, unresolved historical conflicts that remain unaddressed, deep-seated grievances that have been perpetuated over time, and ongoing tensions that continue to simmer just below the surface.
Trust is a crucial component of social cohesion, yet generalized trust across ethnic lines is limited, intergroup trust is fragile and easily broken, distrust and mistrust are pervasive and entrenched, historical traumas continue to shape contemporary relationships, and power imbalances and inequalities perpetuate mistrust.
By acknowledging and addressing these divisions, we can begin to build trust through dialogue and reconciliation, address the root causes of mistrust and distrust, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, promote inclusive decision-making and representation, and cultivate a sense of shared citizenship and national identity. Only by confronting our difficult history and ongoing tensions can we hope to build a more trusting and cohesive society for all.
Deadly Sin #3: We mistakenly assumed that a centralized system of governance would be the best fit for our diverse society, comprising multiple ethnic, religious, and cultural groups. However, such a system depends on several key elements that are glaringly absent in our nation. These include a shared set of values that unite us, a common national identity that transcends regional and ethnic divisions, and a sense of trust among citizens and between citizens and the state. Unfortunately, we lack all of these essential components.
Moreover, a strong civic culture that supports democratic institutions and a shared sense of purpose and collective ownership are also lacking. Instead, our society is characterized by diversity and division, competing values and interests, and eroding trust that has led to widespread disillusionment. Our identities and loyalties are fragmented, and our civic culture struggles to sustain democratic institutions.
For decades, our assumption has been proven wrong, and it’s essential that we acknowledge and address these challenges to build a more suitable and effective system of governance that truly serves our diverse society. Consequently, our centralized governance structure is ill-suited to our unique context. We must reconsider our approach to governance to better reflect and accommodate our complex and diverse reality.
Deadly Sin #4: We have long perpetuated the illusion that our diverse populations share a common value system and national identity, superficially masking our profound cultural, religious, and ethnic disparities, and pretending to be a cohesive nation.
However, this facade has only served to conceal the depth of our divisions, ignore the grievances of marginalized groups, perpetuate inequality and discrimination, and fail to address historical grievances and the root causes of strife and conflict. It has merely papered over the cracks of a fractured and disorderly society, leaving power imbalances and systemic issues unaddressed.
In truth, our conflicting differences have been a long-standing source of inter-communal strife and violence, systemic marginalization and exclusion, cultural erasure and suppression, religious intolerance and bigotry, and ethnic chauvinism and nationalism.
It is essential that we acknowledge and confront our differences, rather than pretending they do not exist. By recognizing and addressing the root causes of our divisions, we can work towards a more inclusive, equitable, and just society where all groups are valued and respected. Only through genuine understanding and reconciliation can we hope to build a nation that truly reflects the diversity and richness of its people.
Deadly Sin #5: For far too long, we have deluded ourselves into believing that quality institutions are inconsequential. In reality, the absence of robust, efficient, and accountable institutions has been the primary obstacle to our nation’s progress.
We have mistakenly assumed that personalities and individuals are more important than institutions, that informal systems and personal relationships can replace formal institutions, and that institutions are mere decorations or ceremonial entities. Additionally, we have regarded strong institutions as a luxury rather than a necessity.
However, the truth is that robust institutions are essential for good governance and effective decision-making, the rule of law and protection of rights, economic growth and development, social justice and equality, and accountability and transparency.
The lack of quality institutions has led to inefficient and ineffective governance, corruption and abuse of power, inequality and social injustice, economic stagnation and underdevelopment, and political instability and conflict.
It is crucial that we recognize the significance of building strong, efficient, and accountable institutions to drive our nation’s progress and prosperity. Only by establishing and maintaining these institutions can we ensure a stable, just, and thriving society.
Deadly Sin #6: We have mistakenly believed that only the federal government is capable of ensuring public safety. However, the federal government’s centralized approach to law enforcement has often been ineffectual, failing to address local needs and concerns; corrupt, prioritizing political interests over justice; oppressive, violating human rights and individual freedoms; bureaucratic, leading to slow response times and inefficiencies; and disconnected, lacking community engagement and trust.
In contrast, local and community-based initiatives have shown great promise in building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public, addressing unique local needs and concerns, promoting community-led solutions and initiatives, fostering a culture of prevention and early intervention, and ensuring accountability and transparency.
It is essential that we recognize the limitations of centralized law enforcement and empower local communities to take ownership of their public safety. This can be achieved through a more decentralized and community-focused approach, which will better meet the specific needs of each community and promote a safer, more just society.
Deadly Sin #7: We have deluded ourselves into justifying the plundering of our nation’s resources as an acceptable practice, citing excuses such as, “That’s how things have always been done,” “It’s just the way the system works,” “Everyone does it,” “It’s a necessary evil for economic growth,” and “It’s a small price to pay for political stability.”
However, these justifications are tragically mistaken. The plundering of our resources has resulted in environmental degradation and destruction, economic inequality and instability, social injustice and human rights violations, corruption and abuse of power, and the loss of national sovereignty and dignity.
In reality, the plundering of our resources is a symptom of a deeper problem: a culture of corruption, greed, and exploitation. It is crucial that we recognize the error of our ways and work towards more sustainable, equitable, and just management of our nation’s resources. This approach must prioritize the needs of people and the planet over profit and power, ensuring that our resources are used to benefit all citizens and future generations.
Deadly Sin #8: We have falsely believed that prayer alone will solve our man-made problems, but the more we’ve prayed, the worse things have horrendously deteriorated. This is because we’ve neglected the fact that faith without action is futile. We have failed to recognize that our problems require tangible solutions, driven by human effort and ingenuity.
Prayer can provide comfort, solace, and guidance, but it must be accompanied by concrete actions and decisions that address the root causes of our challenges. We’ve mistakenly assumed that divine intervention will compensate for our own inaction, and as a result, we’ve failed to hold leaders accountable, neglected to invest in essential services, overlooked the need for policy reforms, and ignored the voices of marginalized communities.
It’s time to strike a balance between faith and action, recognizing that our prayers must be complemented by tangible efforts to create meaningful change. This means taking responsibility for our actions, implementing effective policies, and actively working towards solutions that will improve our society. Only then can we hope to address the complex issues we face and create a better future for all.
Deadly Sin #9: We have foolishly failed to recognize that a centrally-planned economic development model, imposed by a centralized federal bureaucracy, ignores the comparative and competitive advantages of our diverse communities. This one-size-fits-all approach is a recipe for disaster, leading to economic stagnation, inefficient allocation of resources, suppression of innovation, exacerbation of regional disparities, and inequitable distribution of wealth.
By neglecting the unique strengths and opportunities of our diverse communities, we have created a system that fosters dependency on a bloated federal bureaucracy, stifles local initiative and entrepreneurship, overlooks the potential for regional specialization, and undermines the principles of free market competition.
It is crucial that we transition to a more decentralized, community-driven approach to economic development. This approach should empower local communities to leverage their competitive advantages, promote regional cooperation, and unleash the creative energy of our diverse population. By doing so, we can ensure more balanced and sustainable economic growth, tailored to the unique needs and potentials of each region.
Deadly Sin #10: We have erroneously assumed that adopting a cut-and-paste democratic governance model, without adjusting for our unique multiethnic, multicultural, and multireligious context, would be sufficient for achieving sustainable development and social cohesion. However, this oversight has led to a significant mismatch between our governance structure and the diverse needs of our population.
Our failure to contextualize democracy has resulted in a system that fails to account for the complexities of our ethnic diversity, neglects the nuances of our cultural heritage, disregards the varied religious beliefs and practices, and overlooks the historical injustices and power imbalances.
By ignoring these crucial factors, we have inadvertently created a governance structure that perpetuates inequality, exacerbates social tensions, and hinders inclusive growth. It is essential that we revisit our democratic framework and tailor it to our distinct context, ensuring that it serves the needs of all citizens and promotes a more harmonious and prosperous society.
Deadly Sin #11: We mistakenly believed that dividing the nation into increasingly smaller governing units—from regions to states and even more states and more local government areas—would bring the government closer to the people. However, this fragmentation had the opposite effect. Instead of fostering greater accountability and accessibility, it merely brought the state coffers closer to the elites, who exploit this system and loot the resources dry.
By fragmenting the government into smaller entities, we inadvertently created a scenario where elites more easily manipulated and controlled the system, corruption and cronyism flourished, resources were squandered on duplicated administrative structures, and the voices of marginalized communities were further silenced.
In reality, this approach only widened the gap between the government and the people, perpetuating a system of inequality and exploitation. Rather than enhancing democratic governance and service delivery, it entrenched the power of the elites and deepened the disenfranchisement of ordinary citizens.
Deadly Sin #12: We have mistakenly believed that only big-name politicians, state governors, or former military leaders would make effective presidents. In reality, having a background in politics or governance is not only insufficient but often a liability. The notion that these individuals possess the necessary skills to lead the nation effectively has been discredited by their track records, which are marred by failure and significant damage to our nation.
Their failures stem from entrenched interests and partisan loyalties, a lack of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, an inability to break free from entrenched power structures, and a tendency to perpetuate the status quo and protect their own interests.
Our nation needs a different kind of leadership, one that is not mired in the politics of the past but instead offers a bold vision for the future. We need leaders who are untainted by the failures of the past and can bring a fresh approach to governance, offering new ideas and solutions that address our current challenges and pave the way for a better future.
Deadly Sin #13: We delusively believed that we could borrow recklessly and spend carelessly, financing a bloated government bureaucracy and an ineffective and overpaid National Assembly, while indulging in excessive consumption. However, we conveniently forgot the burden of repayment, which has now become an albatross around the nation’s neck.
Our reckless borrowing and spending spree has led to unsustainable debt levels, crippling interest payments, reduced fiscal space for essential services, increased financial vulnerability, and a crushing burden on future generations.
The consequences of our actions are now starkly apparent. We must acknowledge the error of our ways and adopt a more responsible and sustainable approach to fiscal management, one that prioritizes prudence, accountability, and the long-term prosperity of our nation.
Deadly Sin #14: We wrongly believe that oil revenues will continue to flow indefinitely and that they will always be sufficient to support our insatiable appetite for foreign goods, ostentatious consumption habits, reliance on imported products, lack of domestic production and manufacturing, and overdependence on a single natural resource.
However, this assumption is flawed because oil reserves are finite and will eventually run out, global demand for oil is shifting towards renewable energy sources, our consumption habits are unsustainable and environmentally harmful, our economy lacks diversification and resilience, and we are vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.
By recognizing the reality of our situation, we can diversify our economy and reduce our dependence on oil, invest in renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, develop local industries and manufacturing capabilities, promote responsible consumption and production habits, and build a more resilient and sustainable future for our nation.
Deadly Sin #15: We have long believed that using our proven oil reserves as collateral for borrowing in foreign currencies was prudent, but this assumption is fundamentally flawed. The truth is that we are mortgaging our future by using a finite resource as collateral.
Oil prices are declining, reducing the value of our reserves, which makes them increasingly inadequate as collateral. This situation forces creditors to demand more and varied collateral, which we don’t have, making default inevitable and leading to severe economic consequences.
Furthermore, we are exposing ourselves to exchange rate risks and currency fluctuations, increasing our debt burden and vulnerability to creditor demands. This reliance on oil reserves neglects the need to diversify our economy and reduce our dependence on oil. It compromises our sovereignty and ability to make independent decisions, risking a debt crisis and financial instability.
By recognizing the folly of our ways, we can stop using our oil reserves as collateral and seek alternative financing options.
Deadly Sin #16: We incorrectly believed that a center-heavy federal government structure was the best way to redistribute oil revenue. However, this approach has proven flawed because it concentrated power and decision-making in the hands of a few, leading to abuse and corruption.
It failed to ensure equitable distribution of resources, exacerbating regional and social disparities, and neglected the needs and aspirations of local communities, who were denied a seat at the table.
Additionally, it perpetuated a culture of dependency and patronage, rather than promoting self-sufficiency and development, and ignored the diversity of regional needs and priorities, imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.
Instead, we should have adopted a more decentralized and inclusive approach, where national resource rights belong to the state where it is found. A constitutional amendments should be made to grant states control over natural resources within their borders.
State-level resource management agencies should be established to oversee exploitation and management, and a revenue-sharing system should be implemented where states pay taxes to the federal government.
This approach would promote transparent and accountable decision-making, free from centralized corruption and abuse. It would also prioritize the unique needs and aspirations of each region, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and development rather than dependency and patronage. By recognizing and respecting regional diversity, Nigeria can ensure that natural resources are managed in a way that benefits all, rather than just a select few.
What We Must Change
To truly address the pressing issues facing our nation, the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) and other ministries, agencies, task forces, and the National Assembly must first confront the underlying untruths, delusions, and false assumptions that have led to our current state.
This requires facing painful realities, but it is only by acknowledging them that we can reverse our nation’s decline. We must adopt a new approach to nation-building, one that recognizes the futility of imposing a “common” value system and “national” identity and “share” vision.
Instead, we should leverage the strengths of our diversity by harnessing the comparative and competitive advantages of our various communities. This approach can help build a more united, stable, safe, inclusive, and prosperous society where every family has the opportunity to reach their full potential, access quality healthcare, receive a good education, feed their children, and live peacefully with their neighbors, regardless of tribe, religion, or status.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s path to progress lies in embracing a new era of truth-telling, diversity, and inclusivity. The centralized federal governance system no longer serves the best interests of our citizens, and it’s time for a change. A viable alternative is to grant constitutional rights to autonomy and self-determination to the states within a streamlined federal structure.
All states must remain part of the federal system, not apart from it, to ensure unity while empowering local governance for better representation and development.
This approach, which I call “Competitive Federalism,” allows states to leverage their competitive or comparative advantages to grow and sustain their economies, manage their natural resources, protect their citizens and cultures, and thrive independently. Recognizing that not all states are equally competitive, adjustments will be made to support weaker states over a short period, ensuring a more equitable transition.
By adopting Competitive Federalism, we can create a brighter future for all Nigerians, where states are empowered to succeed and citizens are freed from the shackles of a centralized, inefficient system.
Please download my Book, “Covenant With Nigerians: Reversing Our Country’s Decline” to explore my perspective on Competitive Federalism.
