By Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN
INTRODUCTION
In our last episode, we x-rayed the following sub-themes: insecurity: the Boko Haram Insurgency and the rise of banditry; corruption: a persistent problem; the Tinubu era: corruption issues and the challenge of reform; the allegations: a cloud over the presidency and then the early signs: continuity or change? today we shall take a look at the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration; a lingering struggle: corruption’s unyielding grip; the quest for change continues and finally we shall attend to fashion out a path forward for Nigeria’s political leadership and anti-corruption efforts. Read on.
THE FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL CONTROVERSY
In an effort to address Nigeria’s perennial fiscal challenges, Tinubu announced the removal of the longstanding fuel subsidy soon after assuming office. For decades, the government had subsidized the cost of petrol to make it affordable for Nigerians, but this policy had become increasingly unsustainable, costing the government billions of dollars each year. The subsidy system was also riddled with corruption, as fuel importers and government officials routinely inflated the subsidy claims to pocket the excess (The Guardian. (2012). Nigeria fuel subsidy scheme: $6bn lost to corruption. The Guardian. <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/19/nigeria-fuel-subsidy-scheme-corruption>. Assessed on the 19th of September, 2024.).
Tinubu’s decision to eliminate the subsidy was widely seen as necessary from an economic standpoint but sparked widespread protests across the country. The immediate effect was a sharp increase in the price of petrol, which disproportionately affected Nigeria’s poorest citizens (ibid). The government’s failure to adequately explain how the savings from the subsidy removal would be reinvested into public services only deepened public suspicion. Many Nigerians questioned whether the savings from the subsidy removal would be used to benefit the people or whether they would disappear into the same corrupt networks that had historically profited from Nigeria’s oil wealth.
In response to public outcry, Tinubu’s administration promised to invest the funds from the subsidy removal in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, but skepticism remained high. After years of government failures to deliver on such promises, many Nigerians doubted whether Tinubu could break the cycle of corruption and mismanagement. As one protester remarked, “We’ve heard these promises before, and we’re still waiting for them to come true.”
A LINGERING STRUGGLE: CORRUPTION’S UNYIELDING GRIP
As Tinubu’s presidency progressed, it became clear that addressing corruption would require more than just policy announcements or high-profile arrests. The systemic nature of corruption in Nigeria rooted in decades of weak institutions, patronage networks, and the politicization of key sectors meant that any serious reform effort would require a sustained and comprehensive approach.
While Tinubu continued to tout his anti-corruption agenda, the early signs suggested that old patterns were difficult to break. Appointments of loyalists to critical positions, accusations of inflated contracts, and the lack of transparency in government dealings indicated that corruption remained deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s political fabric.
As Nigeria approached the midway point of Tinubu’s first term, the jury was still out on whether his administration would deliver the substantive reforms needed to curb corruption. While there was hope among some that Tinubu’s political acumen and experience could lead to positive changes, many others remained skeptical. The challenge for the Tinubu administration was clear: it had to prove that it could not only survive the weight of its past but also deliver a future where corruption no longer defined the Nigerian experience.
As the Nigerian proverb warns, “A tree cannot make a forest.” For Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts to succeed, it would require not just strong leadership but a collective, national effort to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s institutions and governance systems. Whether or not this would be achieved remained to be seen, but the stakes for Nigeria’s future had never been higher.
THE QUEST FOR CHANGE CONTINUES
As Nigeria entered the mid-2020s, the country remained at a crossroads. The challenges of corruption, insecurity, economic inequality, and weak governance were as pressing as ever. While there had been moments of hope and progress, the road to meaningful change remained long and fraught with obstacles.
The Buhari administration, like those before it, had made strides in some areas but had ultimately been unable to deliver the transformative change that Nigerians so desperately craved. As the nation looked to the future, the question remained: Can Nigeria finally break free from the cycles of corruption, mismanagement, and insecurity that have plagued it for decades? Or will the promise of change remain elusive?
As the Nigerian proverb goes, “No matter how long the night, the day will surely come.” The hope for a better Nigeria still burns brightly in the hearts of its people, but the journey toward that brighter day remains uncertain.
A PATH FORWARD FOR NIGERIA’S POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS
1. Strengthen and Reform Institutions to Combat Corruption
A key reason for the persistence of corruption in Nigeria is the weakness of its institutions. Anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have often been undermined by political interference and a lack of autonomy. Strengthening these institutions is crucial to ensuring that they can function independently, without fear or favour. To achieve this, laws must be enacted to shield anti-corruption agencies from political pressures, ensuring that their leadership is selected through transparent and merit-based processes. Additionally, judicial reforms are necessary to expedite corruption trials, many of which drag on for years. Specialized anti-corruption courts could help fast-track cases and prevent wealthy or influential individuals from using legal delays to avoid justice. Transparency in public financial management, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, must also be prioritized. Regular, independent audits of government accounts and resources, with publicly accessible reports, will foster accountability and deter corrupt practices.
2. Foster Political and Electoral Reforms
Corruption in Nigeria is often exacerbated by flawed electoral processes that undermine democracy and allow political leaders to assume office without true accountability to the people. Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be reformed to ensure greater transparency and independence, reducing the opportunity for electoral manipulation and rigging. Introducing electronic voting systems and biometric verification for voters will minimize fraudulent voting and enhance the credibility of elections. Moreover, political campaigns must be regulated through strict enforcement of campaign finance laws to prevent the undue influence of money in politics. By limiting the amount of money individuals or organizations can contribute to campaigns, Nigeria can prevent its political processes from being dominated by wealthy elites with vested interests. It is also crucial to consider decentralizing power from the federal government to state and local levels, fostering competition and creating more local checks on the use of public resources.
3. Invest in Civic Education and Youth Engagement
Nigeria’s youth have emerged as a significant force for change, as demonstrated by the #EndSARS movement, which harnessed the power of digital platforms to demand greater accountability from the government. To capitalize on this energy, the government must invest in civic education to empower young people with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Educating the populace about the dangers of corruption and their role in governance will help cultivate a culture of accountability and active citizenship. Furthermore, creating avenues for youth participation in political processes will ensure that their voices are not only heard but also reflected in policy decisions. Mentorship programs and political internships for young Nigerians can help foster a new generation of leaders committed to transparency and good governance, reducing the reliance on traditional political elites who are often implicated in corruption.
4. Promote Economic Diversification and Job Creation
Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil revenues has fueled corruption, as the country’s political elites have competed for control of the wealth generated by this single resource. To reduce the incentives for corrupt practices, Nigeria must diversify its economy by investing in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. Diversification will not only help the country stabilize its economy against fluctuations in global oil prices but will also create more opportunities for employment, particularly for the country’s young and growing population. Job creation is key to reducing poverty, a major driver of corruption at the grassroots level. When citizens have stable economic prospects, they are less likely to engage in corrupt activities for survival. The government should also provide more support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as these businesses have the potential to drive economic growth and reduce the dependency on government contracts, which are often riddled with corruption.
5. Strengthen Accountability and Whistleblower Protections
A major challenge in Nigeria’s fight against corruption is the lack of accountability mechanisms and the fear of retaliation for those who speak out against corrupt practices. To address this, the government should establish and enforce robust whistleblower protection laws that encourage individuals to report corruption without fear of retribution. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing corrupt practices, but many are reluctant to come forward due to the risk of personal and professional harm. Adequate protections must include legal immunity for whistleblowers, as well as financial incentives for those who provide substantial information leading to the recovery of stolen assets. Additionally, holding public officials accountable through regular asset declarations and lifestyle audits will deter corruption. Government officials should be required to declare their assets publicly, and any discrepancies should be investigated thoroughly. This will send a clear message that no one is above the law and that public office is a responsibility, not an opportunity for personal enrichment.
These recommendations, if implemented, could help address the systemic corruption that has plagued Nigeria’s political leadership since independence. However, they require sustained political will, broad public support, and strong enforcement to be truly effective. (To be continued).
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish”. (Sam Walton).
