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God created the land and the people living in it, but human beings decide how to govern the area they inhabit. The greatest injustice in this world is the crime committed by human beings against their fellow brothers and sisters. In Nigeria, we have reached a stage where corruption has been accepted as a way of life. People whom we see as part of us quickly join the other side once they are called to serve. They no longer see anything wrong with the government once they get appointed.
The outcry against the government’s poor performance is often driven by those who feel excluded. Once they get a slice of power or privilege, the criticism stops. Have you ever seen a Nigerian voluntarily resign from a government position because the policies conflict with their religion, principles, or values? In this part of the world, such decisions are rare. People become loyalists, defending the very system they once criticized. Nobody is serving the people in Nigeria; rather, everyone is eating from the same pot of government resources that has existed since independence. Sadly, this is likely to continue for eternity.
Some people believe they alone have the right to loot the country’s wealth, as if it’s their birthright. I pity them because they are blind to the transient nature of life. They have brains but lack wisdom, engaging in mindless looting with no consideration for the consequences. It takes divine grace to remain humble and see the world as something beyond material wealth and power. Whenever I wake up in the morning, I remember my late parents and quickly realize that one day, I will join them. I often wonder what legacy I’m leaving for my children. Will they live freely in this society when I’m no longer around?
I keep my children’s pictures as my display image on my phone as a constant reminder to live a life that leaves a positive legacy for them. What good is all the wealth if, in the end, it brings suffering to our children? Can we pause and reflect as if we were dead? What will happen to all the assets we acquired—both legitimately and illegitimately?
Let’s look at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a case study. Officials there are reportedly collecting $250,000 in bribes before marketers are allowed to load 30,000 metric tons of petroleum. These corrupt practices make life difficult for ordinary citizens, as marketers pass the costs onto consumers, leading to higher prices at filling stations. Is this fair? Corruption has cast a long shadow over Nigeria, stifling growth, deepening poverty, and eroding trust in institutions. The NNPC is just one example of how deeply ingrained the problem is. But it’s not just about institutions—it’s about individuals, values, and choices. If we truly want to see change, we must start by looking inward and questioning the kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations.
What about the Special Assistants (SAs) demanding and collecting bribes on behalf of their bosses, or the boyfriends collecting kickbacks on behalf of their girlfriends in power? The head of an agency might ask his friends to set up multiple companies to corner contracts. Even a personal assistant boasts about buying multiple properties in London since his boss was appointed by President Tinubu to head a federal agency. To all of you, I say congratulations, but may God repay you according to your deeds.
Have you ever considered what will happen to your children when your corrupt practices catch up with you? What will become of all those assets you accumulated illegally? Remember, no matter how many houses you own, you can only sleep in one bedroom at a time. The rest will either remain empty or be occupied by others.
Corruption in Nigeria is not limited to government institutions. It has infiltrated every aspect of society. From the police demanding “kola” (bribes) at checkpoints to civil servants inflating budgets, the culture of corruption has become normalized. Even religious institutions are not spared, with some leaders using their influence to siphon funds or gain political favor.
At the core of this problem is a failure of values. People have lost sight of what is truly important—honesty, integrity, and service. Instead, the pursuit of wealth and power drives decisions, even if it means compromising ethics or breaking the law. This moral decay has created a society where merit is overlooked, and connections and bribes determine
It’s becoming apparent that even with all the wealth you’ve amassed, you can no longer move freely in society. Your luxury cars remain parked in garages due to the insecurity plaguing the country. You are haunted by your own shadow, living a life of fear and anxiety. Is this how you plan to continue? Perhaps some people are content with such a life, but it’s worth questioning whether this is the life we should aspire to.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
