I dont want to to subscribe to “threats to global peace” being a factor for the shame, hostility, and indignation Nigerians increasingly face abroad. The bitter truth is that Nigeria’s greatest problem is not the world; Nigeria’s greatest problem is Nigeria itself. A country richly blessed with oil, gas, fertile land, and brilliant minds has been destroyed by corruption, incompetence, greed, ethno-religious politics, and decades of disastrous and irresponsive leadership.

The statistics are frightening. Over 133 million Nigerians are classified as multidimensionally poor, while the World Bank estimated that more than 54% of Nigerians were living in poverty by 2024. Rural poverty has climbed above 75%. Nigeria also remains among the world’s most corrupt nations, ranking 142nd globally on the 2025 Corruption Perception Index with a shameful score of 26 out of 100. A country where the Minister for power uses a Power Bank. The richest black man, Dangote, carries a power bank as well.

Graduate unemployment, insecurity, banditry, kidnappings, collapsing infrastructure, ill-equipedhospitals, falling educational standards and a worthless currency have pushed millions into the desperate “JAPA” exodus. Doctors, nurses, lecturers, engineers, and skilled professionals are abandoning the country because hard work is no longer rewarded. A support worker abroad can comfortably earn more than a Nigerian professor or consultant at home. That is not normal; it is national disgrace. A Senator in Nigeria earns much more than the Prime Minister of UK, whereas Nigeria is borrowing from UK to fix its Sea Ports. What a shame. Irony of lender using Volkswagen Beetle and the borrower using private jets.

It is humiliating that the same Nigeria which sacrificed immensely for South Africa’s liberation now sees its citizens hunted, attacked, and treated like unwanted refugees there. Yet the root cause remains failed governance at home.

A nation where politicians maintain luxury convoys while citizens cannot access electricity, water, security, healthcare, or decent roads is morally bankrupt. Until Nigerians reject bad leadership, ethnic sentiment, corruption, and electoral irresponsibility, the humiliation abroad will persist. Bad leadership and irresponsible followership remains the bane of Nigeria’s tragedy. 

Aiyeniromo Aiyekooto. 

May 2026