Nigeria has the potential to be great, but unlocking that potential depends on how we engage our most valuable resource: our people. In particular, Nigerians in the Diaspora, professionals who have gained knowledge, experience, and resources abroad, remain an untapped powerhouse. Many are eager to return home or already have, but their impact is limited by systemic barriers such as corruption, bureaucracy, and the entrenched culture of “whom you know.” For Nigeria to rise, government must dismantle these obstacles and build a merit-driven system where competence, innovation, and integrity thrive.
I relocated to South Africa in the year 2000, at a time when Nigeria’s economy and standard of living were stronger than they are today. Two decades later, successive poor governance, lack of foresight, and widespread corruption have weakened the foundations of our nation. Ordinary Nigerians are also complicit. Many, pressured by peers, colleagues, and even family, stretch themselves to enrol their children in costly private schools, chase material excess, and seek money at all costs. This relentless cycle has fueled corruption. If our public institutions were functional and of high quality, fewer Nigerians would feel compelled to patronize private schools or health services with outrageous fees.
The difference between Nigeria and countries like South Africa is not the absence of problems, but the presence of systems and planning. South Africa, despite corruption scandals during the Zuma era, took decisive steps to fix its energy crisis. For years, “Load Shedding,” their euphemism for power outage, crippled homes and businesses. Yet from January 2025, South Africa has not recorded a nationwide blackout, except for rare technical failures that are common even in advanced countries. The turnaround was possible because they declared an energy emergency and committed to achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Nigeria, sadly, has not shown the same seriousness. Power supply remains unreliable, and businesses still depend heavily on generators. While government initiatives in solar and other renewables are commendable, they are fragmented and insufficient. At the Lagos Energy Summit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu openly rebuked his energy commissioner over the shameful reality that Alausa Secretariat, the seat of government, was in perpetual darkness. His frustration was justified. Energy is the driver of every modern economy. Without reliable power, Nigeria cannot achieve the progress we desire.
We must explore all options, from gas to coal, while investing heavily in our abundant natural gas reserves. Developed nations used coal to build their economies before transitioning to cleaner energy, and countries like South Africa and China still rely on it. Nigeria should not be afraid to make pragmatic choices in the short term while planning for a cleaner future. The real obstacle is not resources but leadership. Incompetence at the top of the power and energy sector has stalled meaningful progress. Performance-based leadership, merit-driven appointments, and accountability must become national policy.
There are, however, bright spots that show what is possible when leadership is competent. Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, has made commendable strides in advancing research, policy coordination, and innovative energy solutions. Similarly, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, has introduced impactful reforms backed by over two decades of energy and organisational development experience. Also Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo the Minister of Interiors is revolutionising the passport issuance and effective international air border control. These examples show that when competence meets opportunity, results follow. Nigeria needs more leaders like them.
The current administration must also engage the Diaspora community more deliberately. Many of us who have returned, or wish to, face daunting hurdles just to present ideas or collaborate with ministries. The barriers erected by bureaucrats and ministers must be dismantled. When President Tinubu was governor of Lagos, his commissioners and appointees were rated on performance. That system should be adopted at the national level, with underperforming ministers replaced without hesitation.
Equally important is the investment environment. Nigerians abroad are more likely to return if the economy is structured to encourage innovation, risk-taking, and production. Unfortunately, our banking sector is still geared toward buy-and-sell ventures rather than long-term investments. Banks shy away from sharing risks that could yield transformative rewards. Even institutions like the Bank of Industry must become more open, accessible, and partnership-oriented. The culture of “you must know someone” must give way to merit, transparency, and opportunity.
Nigerians in the Diaspora represent a reservoir of knowledge, capital, and networks waiting to be tapped. With the right policies, Nigeria can turn brain drain into brain gain. But government must create a transparent, energy-secure, and investment-friendly environment where returning Nigerians feel supported, not stifled.
Nigeria can be great again, but greatness will only come when we dismantle corruption, nepotism, and incompetence, and empower our people at home and abroad to build the nation we all dream of.
Bola Babarinde, South Africa.
