1st January, 2025
CtS
The United Nations’ (UN) recent analysis, which attributes the escalating crisis in Nigeria to population growth and resource scarcity, offers a shallow perspective on the real causes of the nation’s turmoil. While such factors may contribute to tensions in certain regions, they fail to account for the core issues that plague Nigeria: decades of bad governance, political insensitivity, and systemic corruption. This oversimplification of the situation not only dissociates from the realities on the ground but also reflects the UN’s tendency to deflect attention from deeper, more complicated issues.
The Role of Population Growth and Resource Scarcity
Population growth and resource competition might be convenient scapegoats for global organizations looking for broad explanations. However, these factors do not justify the rampant insecurity, poverty, and unrest seen across the country. The current conflicts in Nigeria, especially the violent confrontations between farmers and herders, often have roots in failed governance. The government’s inability to implement policies that address the diverse needs of its people — be it in resource distribution, infrastructural development, or equitable economic growth — is more to blame. This oversight underscores the inability or reluctance of international bodies like the UN to call out Nigeria’s leadership for its glaring incompetence.
Political Insensitivity and Governance Failure
Nigeria’s politicians, as highlighted by the UN’s analysis, seem more concerned with maintaining their power than with enacting meaningful change. With public funds misappropriated by elected officials, the nation has witnessed an unprecedented level of political insensitivity. For instance, despite Nigeria’s rich natural resources, over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment rates among youths are alarmingly high, hovering around 33%. Such statistics are clear indicators of governance failure, yet they are rarely mentioned in discussions surrounding the country’s crises.
Acknowledging the Root Causes of the Crisis
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as represented by Paula Pace, may acknowledge the struggles of displaced persons in Benue State and other regions but fails to confront the root cause: Nigeria’s corrupt political environment. The fact that millions of Nigerians live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the country should be a glaring indication that leadership has neglected its most basic responsibilities. Attributing these issues to population growth without addressing the systemic failures that enable these crises is both disingenuous and irresponsible.
Lack of Accountability in UN’s Analysis
The UN’s analysis of Nigeria lacks accountability. It overlooks the reality that Nigerian politicians continue to indulge in lavish lifestyles while the masses suffer. The political class, with its long history of embezzling public funds and perpetuating a culture of impunity, is the true enemy of progress in Nigeria. The Nigerian government’s failure to invest in critical sectors like education, health, and infrastructure directly correlates with the growing social unrest and economic disparity the country faces.
A Call for Honesty in Addressing Nigeria’s Instability
It is time for a more honest conversation about the true causes of Nigeria’s instability. The UN must go beyond superficial explanations and acknowledge the fundamental role of bad governance in fueling the nation’s crisis. Political leaders must also recognize that a nation cannot thrive when its leaders are disconnected from the plight of its people. Nigeria’s future hinges on an accountable government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens over political gain.
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