Being the most popular black nation of the world and most populated in Africa, Nigeria could boast of robust human resources which are indispensable for economic advancement. Nigeria is a land where the blend of human and natural resources interact in ways foreign interests come to sow seeds of investment to reap the harvests of dividend in due cause. Nigeria towers other African nations, indeed.
That was at the time of the creation of Nigeria by Flora Shaw Lugard, wife of the first colonial Governor, Federico Lugard in 1914, therein the amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorates, till when her validity came to a close on December 31, of 2014/January 1, 2015. In the hundred-year timeframe, the country's towering prowess stretched from economic dominance, socio-cultural diversity to political relevance.
Nigeria is a country endowed with innumerable resources. From the groundnut pyramid depiction in the Northern part of the country, to the abundance of cocoa in the west, to the ever-fresh palm produce in the east, the dynamics of the agricultural sector would suffice to feed not only neighbouring west African nations like Benin Republic, Cameroon, Chad and Niger but also the entire African continent. Before the Oil Boom in the 80s, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy. In a way, each farmer, regardless of being mechanized or peasant, could live in wealth or self-sufficiency.
Away from agriculture, the resources available in each state of the federation could sufficiently cater for the needs of people resident there. Lagos, a popular coastal area in the country, was an epitome of the "wealth of the sea". Shipping and exporting cash crops like cocoa and other consumables did thrive. Profits were made. It was also a strong tourist attraction, at the height of Nigeria's visibility to the world (particularly in the early 60s). A lot of Internally Generated Revenue was and, till this day, resulting. Besides, it became just as it was later known, the 'center of excellence'. Port Harcourt, South-South Nigeria, a coastal area, was and still rich in oil. The oil fields and deposits became (and still is) a job-creating opportunity for people within, other parts of and outside the country (expatriates). The Northern and middle-belt areas (Kano, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states) produced nature-friendly staple foods such as rice, cassava, beans, millet, wheat, maize, lettuce, cinnamon, plantain, banana and others. Food was not an issue.
In the 60s, prior to the Civil War, between (1967-1970), Nigeria was among, if not the most visited place in the world. The political economy was an inspiration to black people in other parts of the world. The diverse socio-cultural heritage fused with contemporary awareness of Nigerians made foreigners easily integrate into the new Nigerian society. People were friendly, hospitable and accommodating. It was a conducive environment. The political strongholds of Western, Eastern and northern leaders before the first military coup of 1966 were of profound nterests which could shape the political awareness of people around the world. The saviness Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ahmadau Bello of the western, Eastern and northern regions defined the political climate of Nigerian society.
People from other parts of the world came to Nigeria in the pursuit of "Greener Pastures". People from Niger, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Sieria Leaone, Bukina Faso, Mali, Chad, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and some other countries came to Nigeria to pursue and live their dreams. The economy was vibrant and best fit for anyone who wanted to make a life through diligence.
They were great achievers in the country. Men and women who made the black world proud were from Nigerian extraction. Philip Emeagweali invented the fastest Micro processor in the world. Woke Soyinka was the first Nobel prize winner. Chike Obi was the first man to bag a PHD in mathematics. Alhaji Dantata, great grand-father to the current richest man in Africa, Alhaji Dangote, was the richest man in Africa in the fifties. The lists go on and on!
Sadly, things conspicuously took a devastating turnaround after 2015. Before the year, there were red flags of socio-cultural discrepancies among the tribes, political anomalies among the elites and untold economy downturn. From the 1966 coup to the Civil War, the seeds of discords on all fronts began to germinate and consequently made Nigeria an utter shadow of herself. Over the years, there was a steady increase in the cost of living, negative ly affecting the people. Nigerians began noticing how somewhat difficult it was in affording basic food stuffs. Prices of goods and services rose to the point there were called-for strikes. Unfortunately, things didn't get better! Trust Nigerians, they chested it with the "adjustment mindset". In pidgin, an average Nigerian would say 'E go better', which means, "things will get better". Things went from frying pan to fire! The country started experiencing lack of health care facilities, bad roads, poor housing and the relative scarcity and rather-expensive foods. The Structural Adjustment Program, the economic program implored by the adminstration of General Ibrahim Babagida (Retired), ensured Nigerians, who were known to be benevolent spenders, to become too-meticulous to part ways with money. It was a tough-nut-to crack situation for Nigerians at the time. Nigerians were faced with an economy there weren't used to!
December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2015, officially saw the end of Lugard-created Nigeria. The validity expired. That motivated the then president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to call for a CONFAB, which would be aimed at discussing the terms of existence of the three major tribes: Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Thus, engendering the referendum. However, it didn't leave to see the light of day as the parties involved didn't establish any agreement. Therefore, Nigeria was being run, till presently, on "default" political, economic and cultural settings. Everyone and everything were biting hard to the point from 2015 till present, the damage is nothing but a thorough demonstration of a collapsed system.
From Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retired) to the current present, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has dwarfed to the point other nationalities whose forebears once settled in the land once filled with milk and honey have been checking out. Foreign investments are not left out. Today,,It is bad Nigeria is irrevocably suffering from the dwarfism caused by unabated conflicts arising from flawed economic, social, cultural and political landscapes
With the current happenings in Nigeria, the perceived "poverty capital of the world", is Nigeria still the giant of Africa?