Nigeria’s issues stem from poor leadership, not complexity — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s challenges to a lack of quality leadership, asserting that the country is not difficult to manage if well understood.

Speaking at the inaugural memorial lecture in honour of the late Akintola Williams in Lagos, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of honesty and comprehension of the country’s complexities for effective governance.

The event, themed “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,” was organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Obasanjo reflected on his presidency, claiming that he did his best to move the country forward with the resources available, citing economic improvements during his tenure.

“When I was there, I did everything I should do for Nigeria and I can beat my chest and say that,” Obasanjo stated, highlighting his efforts to secure debt relief and increase the country’s reserves.

He noted that when he took office, Nigeria had just N3.7 billion in reserves, and was spending N3.5 billion on debt servicing. By the time he left office, the country’s reserves had grown to over N45 billion, with additional savings from excess crude revenue.

Obasanjo also praised the late Akintola Williams, describing him as a sage who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic development. “He deserves every honour that we can confer posthumously,” Obasanjo said.