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 that govern a nation. It includes the structures of government, the judiciary, the legislature, the electoral process, and the mechanisms for accountability and transparency.

When these systems function effectively, they create an environment where citizens can thrive, businesses can grow, and development can be sustained.


The Importance of Institutional Strength

Strong institutions are the backbone of a functional system. They ensure that power is distributed fairly, the rule of law is upheld, and leaders are held accountable for their actions.

In a country like Nigeria, where diverse interests often converge, robust institutions are essential for mediating conflicts, protecting rights, and delivering public services efficiently and equitably.


The Role of Policy

Policy frameworks play a pivotal role in shaping a nation’s outcomes. Good policies can drive economic growth, improve healthcare, enhance education, and promote social justice. Conversely, poor policies can exacerbate inequalities, stifle economic potential, and erode public trust in government.

For Nigeria to achieve its development goals, it must prioritize evidence-based policymaking where decisions are guided by data, research, and a deep understanding of the country’s challenges and opportunities.


A Way Forward

To move beyond personality-driven politics and build a robust system, Nigeria must invest in:

  • Strengthening institutions to ensure accountability and transparency
  • Promoting evidence-based policymaking across all sectors
  • Fostering a culture of meritocracy in public service
  • Encouraging citizen participation in governance

With this, Nigeria can create a system that delivers results regardless of who holds office a system that works for everyone, not just a privileged few.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s future depends on building systems that outlast individuals. Let’s shift our focus from personalities to the institutions and policies that can truly drive national progress. By strengthening governance structures and prioritizing effective systems, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all Nigerians.


About the Author:
Dr. Oniovokukor Bright is a Medical Doctor, a writer and commentator on governance, development, and social impact. He advocates for institutional reforms and evidence-based policymaking as the foundation for national progress.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Silence is Not Golden: The Need for Accountability and Justice in Nigeria's Justice System for Sex-Related Crimes

-
Image
Silence is Not Golden: The Need for Accountability and Justice in Nigeria's Justice System for Sex-Related Crimes By Dr. Bright Oniovokukor  In Nigeria's justice system, one area of criminality that has not received fair and objective attention is sex-related offenses. The challenge of providing evidence remains significant, and proving the facts is another obstacle. Despite having various laws in place to address these issues for many years, biases stemming from loud opinions, prejudice, nepotism, religion, and culture continue to hinder progress. This has perpetuated a culture of silence. When a woman who has been sexually harassed decides to speak up, some people, including some who claim to be gender advocates, argue that the timing and circumstances are not ideal. They have used this argument to criticize Senator Natasha, claiming she spoke out at the wrong time and place.  This raises questions:  When is enough enough?  Do offenders consider the time and locati...
Read more

THE ERODING TRUST IN NIGERIA'S LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: A CALL TO ACTION

-
Image
The State of Law Enforcement in Nigeria Every law enforcement agent was set up to serve one need or the other to protect the very interest of the citizens. The Nigeria Police Force and related forces were set up to help address some internal concerns while the Military are expected to address external threats. Those who have been enlisted in the Military or paramilitary forces are supposed to be seen as serving the Nation, hence ought to be respected for that. The Eroding Trust Over the decades, the expectation that these persons are supposed to be serving the citizens is rapidly dying down. It has become worrisome that over the years, many citizens have been made to believe that these persons in forces are serving the interest of a selected few at the expense of the majority. This and other factors have contributed highly to a decrease in the respect and regard for uniform personnel. The citizens no longer see the uniform as something that was earned, labored for with the passio...
Read more

SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU: THE "SWEET MOTHER" NORM IS A TRADITION OF RESPECT AND ADMIRATION .......A WAKE-UP CALL AS STUDENTS' REACTION HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR CHANGE

-
Image
Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent visit to a school in Delta State took an unexpected turn, sparking concerns about her role as the First Lady of Nigeria. The drama unfolded when the MC welcomed her with a song, "Na Our Mama be dis" ("This is our mother"), but the students, mostly adult nurses-in-training, responded with "Na Your Mama be dis" ("This is your mother"), implying she was the MC's mother, not theirs.  When the MC mounted the stage, it's usually a norm for some women who are top personalities to be welcomed with a song, "Sweet Mother". This is a sign of respect and admiration for these women. However, some people have expressed the opinion that they can only call someone "Mother" if she is their biological mother or has played a motherly role in their lives. This sentiment was echoed in the unexpected response of the students during Senator Oluremi Tinubu's visit. This unexpected reaction raises questi...
Read more