The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria
Nigeria, a country rich in natural and human resources, has struggled with economic stagnation despite decades of post-independence policy-making and political rhetoric. This situation has sparked discussions among economists, loyalists, and critics of the current administration. Their opinions, which align with long-held views, suggest that the problems are not insurmountable within a four-year term.
The consensus is that leaders can rewrite history by eliminating economic marauders and self-serving praise singers who hinder progress. Examples from less endowed African nations show that even leaders without exceptional intellect can achieve significant reforms if they have competent, committed, and patriotic advisers.
The Role of a Leader’s Team
In Nigeria, the team supporting a leader includes both official and non-official members. Interestingly, non-official members, who often infiltrate the corridors of power, can be more challenging than some official players. These individuals have historically contributed to the illusion of satisfactory performance when the journey has barely begun.
Political jobbers and sycophants play a significant role in misleading leaders. They often convince mentally alert leaders that an albino is a white man if it benefits them financially. Even smart, experienced leaders with global exposure have fallen victim to this deceit, mistaking hypocrisy for loyalty.
Lessons from the Past
The late former President Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first democratically elected president after the military transferred power in 1979, highlighted the dangers of sycophants. He advised leaders to check the activities of these individuals, as they hinder awareness of the problems facing the people and lead to poverty and underdevelopment.
Shagari emphasized the importance of listening to the yearnings of the people and accommodating constructive criticism. Without this, he warned, there would be dictatorship and chaos in the polity.
Current Economic Challenges
The Renewed Hope Agenda, driven by the President’s track record of anointing successive achievers, has raised hopes for socio-economic development. However, position-thirsty loyalists try to paint a deceptive “all-is-well” picture when much could still be done to address the problematic situation.
Some current sycophants, desperate to atone for past criticisms against the ruling All Progressives Congress or President Bola Tinubu, defend questionable situations while ignoring local and international impediments.
Debt and Economic Concerns
Nigeria’s total public debt, according to the Debt Management Office, had risen to over N159tn as of December 31, 2025, from about N87tn in the second quarter of 2023. Despite this, the country continues to borrow with speedy National Assembly approvals to fund critical projects.
Experts are asked to present the dollar value of the debt layout to the public, but facts about the naira’s depreciation and its impact on foreign debt servicing are often ignored.
Fiscal Sustainability and Debt Management
While Nigeria’s debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio hovers around 33 per cent, well below the 60 per cent benchmark for fiscal sustainability, the debt service-to-revenue ratio has been consistently above 60 per cent, exceeding the World Bank’s recommended threshold of 22.5 per cent.
Despite bold policy reforms, there is concern that increased borrowing is being used more for servicing existing debts rather than generating new revenue sources. A competent team is essential to prioritize the growth of non-oil sectors and reduce debt-related risks.
The Need for Real Loyalists
At this critical time in Nigeria’s controversial democracy, the President needs real loyalists who focus on laying a solid foundation for a good chapter in history. Third columnists are trying to rechristen the President as a democrat by creating self-serving scenarios akin to autocracy.
Nigeria has many interests that hinder economic growth, and the President must be cautious not to fall for the deceit of politicians, especially those who were once on the other side.
Vigilance and Leadership
According to Oren Harari in his book, Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell, leaders must be doubly vigilant when their teams are distracted. The days remaining may seem too few for the Tinubu administration to disregard sycophants and prioritize the well-being of citizens.
As Powell noted, leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible. There is no better time to act than now.
