The article critiques the concept of Nigerian exceptionalism, asserting that the expectation for a political savior stifles responsibility and progress. It highlights the discrepancy between Nigeria’s self-image and actual development, suggesting that collective low expectations have led to stagnation. To foster real progress, the article calls for proactive governance changes and learning from successful global models, emphasizing the need for citizens to engage in transformation.
The notion of Nigerian exceptionalism is a delusion that creates an illusion of superiority amidst deep-rooted challenges. Nigerians exhibit a remarkable ability to wait for a political messiah to resolve their issues, reflecting a tragicomic aspect of their culture. This expectation absolves citizens of responsibility, and the arrival of such a leader seems increasingly unattainable without systemic changes in governance and accountability.
Despite Nigeria’s grand self-description as the “Giant of Africa” and various comparisons to more developed nations, the reality is a stark contrast. Economic data illustrates a troubling trend where Nigeria’s GDP growth has lagged behind that of countries like China and Botswana, primarily due to a lack of strategic development. This discrepancy highlights that the proclaimed exceptionalism is a mirage masking the nation’s persistent dysfunction.
The internalization of dysfunction as destiny reveals a subtler form of colonialism that perpetuates low expectations. Such a mindset fosters a belief that Nigeria’s unique challenges—ranging from corruption to infrastructure issues—are insurmountable. This prevailing fatalism, rather than uniting the citizenry towards progress, has resulted in apathy and disengagement from the mechanisms of governance and accountability.
To reverse the cycle of despair and decline, Nigeria must reject the myth of exceptionalism and embrace the strategies that have worked for other nations. This includes building robust judicial systems, enhancing civil service competence, and enacting realistic budgetary measures to address infrastructure deficits. True transformation necessitates a collective effort to eschew excuses and confront the realities of governance head-on.
Ultimately, to liberate itself from continual stagnation represented by the metaphor of waiting by the riverbank, Nigeria must mobilize its citizenry to forge a brighter future. History shows that meaningful progress arises from proactive engagement rather than passive expectation. Collective agency and initiative can reshape narratives and lead to the development the country desires.
In conclusion, the delusion of Nigerian exceptionalism serves as a barrier to progress by fostering a culture of waiting for a savior. The nation’s socio-economic challenges demand a collective effort to reject fatalism in favor of accountability and active participation in governance. By seeking lessons from successful models globally and applying practical solutions to systemic issues, Nigerians can dismantle the myths surrounding their exceptionalism and build towards a more functional future.
Original Source: businessday.ng
