Obasanjo: Nigeria Has Become a Graveyard of Policies

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has voiced his concerns about Nigeria’s stagnation in growth and development, stating that the country is not where it should be.

During the 8th Brigadier General Michael Agu (rtd) Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards Ceremony at the Obasanjo Space Centre in Lugbe, Abuja, over the weekend, Obasanjo criticized the ineffective implementation of policies in the nation.

“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 said.

He emphasized the need for deliberate actions instead of just making empty promises. “Those who make progress achieved progress, not based on wishing to make progress, but on taking actions. They do not take two steps forward and three steps backwards,” Obasanjo added, lamenting the backward steps Nigeria continues to take in various sectors.

The former president expressed regret that this inconsistent approach is impeding the country’s progress. “As long as we are doing things 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.”

Obasanjo also reflected on the creation of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) during his tenure.

He mentioned that his administration sent over 100 Nigerian engineers to China for specialized training and had a clear vision for Nigeria’s space program.

According to him, the plan was to launch Nigeria’s first satellite in collaboration with China, followed by a second satellite with greater Nigerian involvement, ultimately culminating in a fully Nigerian-made satellite in space.