Corruption Hinders Nigeria’s Progress, Says Professor Adeniyi

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, a current affairs analyst and Professor of Communications at Baze University in Abuja, emphasized that corruption remains a significant barrier to Nigeria’s development as the country marks its 65th independence anniversary. During an interview with ARISE News on March 15, 2024, he described Nigeria’s journey as one of slow progress, highlighting that effective nation-building requires consistent efforts and a commitment to addressing deep-rooted issues.

Reflecting on the state of the nation, Adeniyi asserted that the challenges Nigeria faces are more about the pace of development rather than an insurmountable project. He stated, “Nation building is a work in progress. We have seen nations across the world steady their gait, moving from grass to grace. In our situation, I would say we are just in the middle. We still have some way to go.” He noted that while Nigeria has the potential to catch up with countries that were once at similar developmental stages in 1960, it must accelerate its efforts to fulfill the aspirations of its citizens.

Adeniyi pointed out that governance has produced mixed results under various administrations, both military and civilian. He remarked, “There are so many areas in which we can see merits and demerits. Each administration has had its pluses and minuses.” However, he stressed that corruption has been a persistent issue hampering progress. “Corruption is one of the big elephants in the room that we have ignored for too long. We need to deal with it,” he added.

In discussing Nigeria’s unity, Adeniyi argued that the nation’s diversity is not inherently problematic. Instead, he believes that effective leadership is crucial for fostering unity. “What matters is the mechanism you put in place to build unity, and the conduct of leaders not to remind citizens of their differences,” he explained.

Adeniyi also addressed the current industrial disputes, particularly the strike threat by oil workers at the Dangote Refinery, a $20 billion investment in Nigeria’s oil sector. He described the refinery as a monumental achievement that demands stability rather than disruption. “It was very difficult for me to take that workers in a private organisation, particularly one that is relatively new and landmark in its investment, would be embroiled in such a crisis,” he noted.

He urged both the management of the refinery and the workers’ union to seek common ground to avoid jeopardizing this critical national project. “Considering how vital this refinery is to the survival of the system, disruption should not be an option,” he warned.

In international affairs, Adeniyi expressed concern regarding US President Donald Trump’s approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He cautioned that aggressive diplomacy could escalate tensions globally. “People react from their own corners to conflicts they feel pained about, leading to retaliatory attacks elsewhere,” he stated, underscoring the need for peace in the region to prevent wider repercussions.

Domestically, he welcomed the renovation of the National Theatre in Lagos, now named after Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. While he praised the restoration, he cautioned that without proper maintenance, the structure could again fall into disrepair. “The National Theatre is a monument. Renovating it is commendable, but without maintenance, even a newly renovated structure will decay,” he said.

Adeniyi concluded that for Nigeria to realize the dreams of independence, the nation must prioritize good governance, combat corruption, maintain infrastructure, and foster inclusive leadership that unites its people. The professor’s insights reflect a comprehensive understanding of the complexities facing Nigeria as it navigates its post-independence journey.