Because nations succeed and Nigeria is still struggling

What drives other countries to continue to develop and achieve sustainable success is their ability to pursue collective and common goals across all socioeconomic sectors. When the people and their leaders share a clear national vision and work toward common goals, the country naturally excels in development, whether in education, human capital, infrastructure, technology, innovation, or national pride.

Many countries are made up of people from different cultures, races, religions and ethnic origins. However, when it comes to national goals and objectives, they are united as one nation, guided by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to progress. Their diversity becomes a source of strength rather than division because national interest comes first.

One of Nigeria’s greatest challenges is the absence of strong national goals and objectives that are truly shared by all citizens. As a nation, we often struggle to build consensus around long-term priorities that transcend politics, ethnicity, religion and regional interests. Paradoxically, one of the few areas in which Nigerians consistently demonstrate unity is sport; especially football. If Nigeria could cultivate the same level of collective commitment, patriotism and shared purpose in education, human capital development, innovation, infrastructure and economic growth as in football, the country would make remarkable progress and achieve much greater national development.

Another irony of Nigerian politics is that many leaders advocate national unity while occupying positions at the center of government. They speak the language of inclusion, national cohesion and collective progress because they represent the entire federation. However, as many of them leave office or remain hidden from the public eye, they often retreat into ethnic or regional politics, becoming champions of sectoral rather than national interests. This inconsistency weakens nation-building, deepens divisions, and makes it difficult to sustain a truly national agenda.

Nigeria’s progress depends not only on good leadership but also on a shared national consciousness. The country needs leaders and followers who remain committed to national unity and development, regardless of whether they hold public office. Likewise, citizens must place the project of Nigeria above ethnic, religious and regional considerations. Only when our collective interest consistently outweighs our individual or sectoral interests can Nigeria unlock its immense potential and achieve the level of sustainable development seen in many successful nations.

Zayyad I. Muhammad,

Abuja, 08036070980, [email protected]