Beyond Personalities: Why Systems Matter for Nigeria's Progress

By Dr. Oniovokukor Bright When evaluating Nigeria ’s development, it’s easy to focus on individual politicians or leaders. However, this approach overlooks a crucial factor: the system . A functional system that delivers results depends not only on having the right people but also on doing the right things consistently. The Limitations of Personality-Driven Politics In Nigeria, political discourse often revolves around prominent figures, with citizens praising or criticizing leaders based on personal charisma, regional identity, or campaign promises. While individual leaders can undoubtedly influence a country’s direction, they are not the sole determinants of progress. A system that relies heavily on personalities rather than institutions leads to inconsistent governance where progress depends on the tenure of specific leaders rather than on sustained policies and practices. The Power of Systems A system encompasses the rules, regulations, and institutions tha...