Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again raised alarm over Nigeria’s failing security and infrastructure, calling them the biggest threats to economic growth and investment. Obi, who has consistently advocated for governance reforms, warned that these two sectors are dragging Nigeria further into economic decline, making it difficult for the country to justify its title as the “Giant of Africa.”
In a recent post on his X handle, Obi reacted to comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, who described Nigeria as “impoverished” and a country where a “failed government jeopardizes lives.” Badenoch’s remarks sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some condemning her statement while others admitted she was merely stating the obvious.
Rather than dismissing such criticisms as mere propaganda, Obi urged Nigerians to see them as harsh but necessary realities. He pointed out that travel advisories from international embassies consistently highlight poor infrastructure and insecurity, reinforcing the grim truth about the country’s state.
“Anyone familiar with Nigeria’s circumstances knows that our performance in these areas is alarmingly low. Unfortunately, even the U.S. embassy has pointed this out without hesitation,” Obi lamented.
Beyond security and infrastructure, Obi emphasized that Nigeria’s healthcare system remains in a dire state. According to him, while the country boasts well-trained medical professionals, its hospitals lack basic facilities, essential medications for chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension are scarce, and counterfeit drugs flood the market, putting lives at risk.
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Citing the warnings issued by the U.S. and other foreign entities, he pointed out that Nigeria has made little to no progress in improving these conditions over the past five years. Instead, things have worsened, leaving the nation in a continuous cycle of economic stagnation, insecurity, and poor living conditions.
Obi didn’t hold back in his call for a shift in mindset among Nigerians, particularly when it comes to criticism of the country. He warned that blind patriotism, which seeks to silence or attack those pointing out Nigeria’s failures, is counterproductive. Instead, he urged citizens and the government to treat such criticisms as a wake-up call to prioritize meaningful development.
“When negative remarks about a country appear on official websites, warning citizens of potential risks, how can we expect to attract investors?” Obi questioned.
He concluded with a rallying call for national transformation: “These painful rebukes, including those from our own people, should inspire us to build a new Nigeria that is not just possible, but necessary.”
