Obasanjo: Nigeria a ‘burial ground of policies’ hindered by unimplemented initiatives

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep concern over the stagnation of Nigeria’s development, describing the nation as a “burial ground of policies.”

Speaking on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja during the 8th Brig. Gen. (rtd) Michael Agu Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards, he highlighted how the country’s growth has been stifled by a multitude of unimplemented policies.

“It is not enough for leaders to have policies or make statements. We are not short of policies in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Nigeria has become a burial ground of policies that are either unimplemented or unexecuted,” Obasanjo lamented.

He emphasized that genuine progress requires decisive action, not mere aspirations. “Those who make progress achieved it not by wishing to make progress, but by taking actions. They do not take two steps forward and three steps backward,” he added.

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Obasanjo pointed out that the nation’s approach to various aspects of governance has resulted in regression rather than advancement. “Regrettably, this is what we are doing in every aspect of our national life.

And as long as we continue this way, progress will elude us. Let us carry the ones we can carry; we cannot be a jack of all trades and master of none,” he cautioned.

The former president received an award as the Grand Commander of Nigerian Space Exploration during the event, which was organized by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers.

The theme of the lecture was ‘Nigeria’s 21 Years in Space 2003-2024: Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects,’ underscoring the importance of Nigeria’s aspirations in space exploration.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s space ambitions, Obasanjo recounted the establishment of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) during his administration.

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He noted that over 100 Nigerian engineers were trained in China across various specializations to bolster the country’s capabilities in space technology. His administration had laid plans for launching Nigeria’s first satellite in collaboration with China and aimed to develop subsequent satellites domestically.

However, he expressed disappointment at the stagnation of these initiatives, revealing that he learned at one point that NASRDA struggled to pay its employees.

“We’ve squandered God’s gifts to us; God never intended suffering for Nigeria,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment and action to revive the country’s fortunes.

Obasanjo’s remarks resonate with ongoing debates about governance and policy implementation in Nigeria, highlighting the critical need for accountability and effectiveness in leadership.

His call for focused action reflects a broader concern among Nigerians about the future of the nation amidst challenges that hinder its progress.