Addressing Irresponsibility: A Call for Better Leadership and Followership in Nigeria

One major issue in Nigeria is the habit of embracing irresponsibility. There are just too many people who are irresponsible and not being held accountable for it.

Let me cite some examples so you can have a good idea of what I mean. Rather than focusing on improving daily traffic flow, a road traffic official (LASTMA) often prioritizes personal gain (collecting the usual 100 naira of 200 naira from bus drivers). Similarly, instead of fulfilling their duties, a secretary may prioritize collecting money from office visitors. Likewise, rather than studying to learn and succeed, a student might resort to bribing or seducing lecturers for better exam scores. Similarly, a child may prioritize acquiring a phone and joining social media for material benefits over developing skills and knowledge.

A NEPA official often prioritizes his side job as an electrician or becomes preoccupied with accepting bribes instead of focusing on maintaining reliable connections in his assigned area. Similarly, a teacher may be too occupied with dating students or turning them into marketers for her own side business. Due to their lack of responsibility, these teachers struggle to properly discipline and educate their students. Additionally, many companies and businesses are either avoiding tax payments or underpaying their dues. Some companies even deceive their employees regarding their pensions. Some foodstuff sellers are dishonest with how they measure what they sell so they can make more profit, while others hoard products and sell them at inflated prices. Some employees steal from their employers and some employers pay salaries late after spending wastefully on irrelevant things during the month.

Things haven’t always been this way. It was once better when people did their jobs. Nigeria’s functionality is compromised because too many individuals are neglecting their responsibilities. A functional economy relies on the majority of its citizens being productive. I’m committed to advocating for the rights of teachers, policemen, LASTMA officials, students, and lecturers, and I always will be. However, it’s crucial to revive the spirit of responsibility and accountability among Nigerians. Yes, you have rights, but you also have duties! What exactly are you supposed to be doing? And are you doing it effectively?

My mom shared stories about her workplace before she retired, recalling how some colleagues would arrive as late as 10 AM (when work starts at 8 AM) and leave as early as 2 PM (even though work ends at 4 PM). On Fridays, some wouldn’t bother showing up at all, and others would spend time sleeping at their religious grounds. Recently, during her retirement celebration at her department, we noticed how empty the offices were. It’s clear that things have deteriorated further. Employees now feel they can skip work without consequences. Punctuality and attendance issues have become commonplace.

While it may be unrealistic to completely eradicate irresponsibility at all levels, it’s essential to recognize that the challenges in our country aren’t solely the fault of leadership; they also stem from followership. A leader can only guide; they can’t compel obedience. Nigerians must strive for improvement, starting with each individual. We need to return to a time when we felt remorse for not doing what’s right. Without this change in mindset, progress will remain elusive. Remember, you have rights, but you also have obligations.

It might seem paradoxical, but ultimately, the responsibility circles back to leadership. Leaders must enforce productivity among those under their authority. We must return to the era when we found our teachers, bosses, and lecturers strict. Employees shouldn’t have the liberty to wander during work hours, and neglecting tasks should not be tolerated. Students shouldn’t develop overly familiar relationships with their teachers, and police superiors must ensure severe repercussions for irresponsible officers. Presidents, governors, local government chairpersons, and representatives must be held answerable and should in turn demand accountability from their subordinates. Leadership is indeed the key to fixing our country.

Leaders should actively seek ways to educate the populace. Many Nigerians are unaware of their wrongdoings. It’s the government’s responsibility to raise awareness and sensitize the population. Sadly, even at the level of leadership, Nigerians seem to have accepted irresponsibility too