Nigeria’s Civil Service: Is Free Enterprise the Fix?
Photo by Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash
The Royal Roots of Nigeria’s Identity
Africa is often referred to as the land of kings and queens, and for good reason. With a vast array of ethnic groups and sovereign traditions, our ancestral pride runs deep. Nigeria, with its staggering 371 ethnic groups, is a prime example. In fact, it’s said that nearly one in every million Nigerians is a monarch—or at least descended from one. This royal lineage isn’t just historical trivia—it shapes our national character.
In Nigeria, VIP treatment is more than a preference; it’s an expectation. We don’t just desire to be acknowledged—we believe it’s our birthright. From refusing to queue to seeking preferential access, it’s clear that we carry ourselves like royalty. And perhaps that’s because, in many ways, we are.
Hardworking, Enterprising, and Hungry for Results
What also defines Nigerians is our tireless drive. We hustle, innovate, and push boundaries. And while some cultures romanticize rewards in the afterlife, Nigerians want results now. Immediate gratification, not delayed promises, is our operating mode.
It’s no surprise then that we reject the monotonous, conveyor-belt lifestyle of industrialized nations. Mass production may work for products—but not for people. In Nigeria, everyone wants to stand out. We’re not wired for uniformity. Our uniqueness demands a different approach to systems and governance.
The Civil Service vs. the Nigerian Psyche
And this, perhaps, is where the disconnect lies.
The traditional civil service model—with its rigid protocols and one-size-fits-all service—clashes with the Nigerian spirit. Our civil servants are not naturally bureaucrats. They are entrepreneurs caught in a system that doesn’t align with their instincts. And when demand for preferential service is high, they respond—not through official channels, but in ways that the system calls “corruption.”
But what if we stopped fighting this mismatch and started designing around it?
A Radical Idea: Reform Through Free Enterprise
After years of frustration with failed reforms and underground networks of influence, I’ve stopped simply criticizing the system. Instead, I’m offering a solution—one that plays to our strengths rather than suppresses them.
What if we institutionalized VIP services within the civil service?
Imagine a public sector model where citizens can pay for premium service legally, and that extra fee funds improvements for everyone. Imagine civil servants earning performance bonuses based on metrics like efficiency, customer satisfaction, and innovation. We’d be acknowledging our natural tendencies—our pride, our enterprise, our love for speed and excellence—not punishing them.
Let’s Work With Who We Are
We’re unique. Our history is rich, our spirit is fierce, and our expectations are sky-high. It’s time for a governance model that reflects that. Instead of forcing Western bureaucratic templates on a distinctly Nigerian people, let’s co-create a socio-economic framework that inspires us, empowers us, and reflects the truth of who we are.
I no dey talk finish.
But I don talk my own.
Want more? Check out this post:
