By Noel Chiagorom
One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today is the pervasive “who you know” system of employment. This phenomenon, where individuals with political connections or affiliations are handed plum jobs despite lacking the requisite technical expertise, has far-reaching consequences for the country’s development.
The Oil and Gas, Power, Transport, and Aviation sectors, as well as key political portfolios, are dominated by individuals who owe their positions to patronage rather than merit. This has resulted in a dearth of competent leadership, with dire implications for the nation’s growth.
A case in point is the appointment of individuals with no relevant experience or qualifications to critical positions. For instance, a senator’s son with a degree in Theater Arts might be handed the role of Operations Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Similarly, a governor’s nephew with a law degree might be appointed to a key position in the Mines and Power sector. Meanwhile, qualified professionals, such as electrical engineers, are relegated to menial jobs like driving taxis due to their lack of connections.
This systemic dysfunction is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s progress. The country’s refineries are struggling, the national grid is prone to collapse, and the general populace is disillusioned. The root cause of these problems lies in the politicization of key appointments, where loyalty to the ruling party takes precedence over competence and expertise.
To break this cycle of mediocrity, Nigeria’s leadership must adopt a merit-based approach to appointments. The judiciary, particularly the Chief Justice of the Federation, must demonstrate courage and independence in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that appointments are made based on merit rather than political expediency.
As it stands, Nigeria’s system of governance prioritizes political patronage over competence, resulting in a brain drain as talented individuals seek opportunities abroad. It is imperative that we rethink our approach to appointments and prioritize merit, expertise, and qualifications. Only then can we hope to unlock Nigeria’s true potential and join the ranks of developed nations.
