Why Nigeria Won’t Get Better in Our Lifetime: A Candid Conversation
- Fredrick Antone
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
Introduction: The Harsh Reality of Nigeria
“This country is hard. Everything is just getting more expensive. Everything is getting more difficult.”
These words, spoken in frustration, capture the sentiment of millions of Nigerians. But why is Nigeria in this state? Why does it feel like things are only getting worse? In this conversation, Kokeboi dives deep into the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria, from bad leadership to police brutality, and explores why meaningful change might not happen in our lifetime.
Human Nature and Leadership: A Recipe for Chaos
“Human beings are by default desperately wicked and savage. It is religion, morality, society, and rules that try to keep us in check.”
This bold statement sets the tone for the discussion. Kokeboi argues that without rules, humans revert to their primal, savage nature. In Nigeria, those in power operate without accountability, perpetuating a cycle of greed and corruption.
“What we have in government is a set of individuals with no rules. They are humanity in its purest form—selfish, unchecked, and destructive.”
The result? A country where hardship is the norm, and progress feels like a distant dream.
Why Nigeria Won’t Get Better Soon
“Nigeria will not get better in our lifetime. Here’s why.”
Kokeboi lays out a grim but logical theory: the problems plaguing Nigeria have been festering for decades. Since independence—and especially since 1999—corruption and mismanagement have spread like a cancer.
“To heal Nigeria, you’d have to trace the problem back to its roots and clean it up. But the mess is almost 30 years old. Even if reforms started today, it would take decades to see real change.”
The depth of the problem is staggering. Nigerians, Kokeboi argues, don’t fully grasp just how deep the rot goes.
Police Brutality: A Symptom of a Broken System
“Police brutality will never end. Here’s why.”
The Nigerian police force is a microcosm of the country’s larger issues. Kokeboi explains that the recruitment process is flawed, with many officers receiving minimal training and no psychological evaluation.
“I was at a mechanic once, and a guy was studying for his police exam. He told me that if he passed, he’d get a few weeks of training and then be released onto the streets. That’s it. No psych evaluation, no rigorous screening.”
This lack of proper vetting leads to a police force that is ill-equipped to serve and protect. Fixing this would require time, money, and resources—things Nigeria’s leaders seem unwilling to invest in.
Nigeria’s Wealth: Stolen, Not Spent
“Nigeria is rich. The problem is that the wealth is being stolen, not spent.”
Contrary to popular belief, Nigeria isn’t a poor country. Kokeboi points out that it’s a rich country with vast natural resources—oil, coal, and more. The issue is that much of this wealth is siphoned off the books.
“We export 10 barrels of oil, but consume 30. How? Where is the rest going? Is it being sold off the books, and the money is lining the pockets of a few individuals?”
This systemic looting would ensure that the country’s wealth never reaches its people. Even if a good leader emerges, Kokeboi argues, they’d be fighting an uphill battle against entrenched corruption.
Violence and Displacement: A Dark Pattern
“The crisis in places like Benue and Jos isn’t random. It’s calculated.”
Kokeboi highlights a disturbing trend: communities with valuable natural resources are often targeted by violence, forcing residents to flee.
“Once the land is cleared, the resources are mined and sold. Who knows if the money ever reaches the treasury? Is It shared among the powerful?”
This exploitation is a stark reminder of how far Nigeria’s leaders will go to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.
The Suffering Mentality: A National Curse
“Nigerians are too good at adapting to suffering. That’s the problem.”
One of the most poignant parts of the conversation is Kokeboi’s critique of Nigeria’s “suffering mentality.” Nigerians pride themselves on their ability to endure hardship, but this resilience has become a curse.
“We’ve normalized suffering. Life gets 20% harder, then 25%, then 30%, and we just adapt. We don’t demand better. We don’t protest. We just survive.”
This mindset, Kokeboi argues, allows bad leaders to thrive. Until Nigerians stop glorifying suffering and start demanding accountability, nothing will change.
The Future: What Can We Do?
“Expect things to get worse before they get better.”
The conversation ends on a sobering note. Kokeboi warns that Nigeria’s problems are too deeply entrenched for quick fixes. Even if a good leader emerges, the systemic issues—corruption, police brutality, economic mismanagement—will take decades to resolve.
“Do your best in the next election, but don’t expect miracles. The rot is too deep.”
The advice? Stop glorifying suffering, demand better from leaders, and hold those in power accountable. It’s a tall order, but it’s the only way forward.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
“We have to start trying to unfuck ourselves.”
The conversation is a wake-up call. Nigeria’s problems are vast, but they’re not insurmountable. Change starts with acknowledging the issues, demanding accountability, and refusing to accept suffering as the norm.
“See you next week. Bye.”
This blog post is a summary of a raw, unfiltered conversation about Nigeria’s challenges. It’s a call to action for Nigerians to stop adapting to hardship and start fighting for a better future. Let’s hope the message resonates.
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