The Nigerian Factor: Curse or Culture -By Tijjani Abdulsalam

The ‘Nigerian factor’ also manifests as an attitudinal problem that is easily displayed where the situation permits – where impunity reigns and where the rule of law exists more on paper than in reality. It is a sad reality we have not only graciously accepted as part of the Nigerian culture, but which we unconsciously propagate to our countrymen and coming generations.

Many human societies have a common identity. This identity, whether real or perceived, defines the ideals and principles that such societies live by and which have overtime, become more like a culture – a complete way of life. It is not uncommon for instance, to hear of the ‘American spirit’ – that belief that every American, and any other person for that matter in America, can be whatever they want to be so long as they work for it. The ‘German mentality’, for instance, signifies the culture of a people whose psyche has been tailored towards efficiency, respect for rules, organization, structure and punctuality. This mentality is reflected in many things German – from automobiles to the National Football Team.

Back home, we sometimes talk about the ‘Nigerian spirit’. This is a kind of never-say-die attitude we have developed more as a survival skillset in an environment not reputed for providing the best of opportunities for the realization of dreams and aspirations. However, the purpose of this piece is to analyze another identity attributed to many things Nigerian – a rather less exciting one: The ‘Nigerian Factor’.

To put things in proper perspective, it is important to recall every day, casual conversations in which we not only make reference to this concept, but also unwittingly admit just how deeply it has permeated our psyche. How often have we heard expressions like these;

“You know, ordinarily it is not supposed to be this difficult. But you have to consider the Nigerian factor…”

“It shouldn’t take much time. But considering the Nigerian factor, you may give it a couple of months.” Or worse still,

“This kind of thing cannot work here due to the Nigerian factor.”

What has been conveniently summarized as the ‘Nigerian factor’, and passed down from generations to generations of Nigerians is an abstract, yet real phenomenon. On the surface, it is just an expression of excuse for the failure of a person or an institution. Looking deeply, however, it is an unconscious admission of certain fundamental problems with our thinking and just how accustomed we have become to the abnormal. It is an expression that aptly reflects our seeming inability to make a success of our abundance and our penchant for exploiting loopholes in the system to advance selfish goals. To some extent, it is also an expression of hopelessness and helplessness. An assertion that suggests that Nigerians are incapable of running any venture in a manner consistent with globally accepted best practices.

In reality, the ‘Nigerian factor’ is hard to define, but easy to explain and experience as it manifests itself in many ways. It is partly the reason a Nigerian student who struggled to make a third class degree in a Nigerian University would lead his class in an American or European University. Think also, of the Nigerian medical doctors would struggle at home due to poor conditions of service but are highly sought after elsewhere. It is also the reason Nigerians become law abiding citizens in cities abroad only to have a hard time obeying traffic rules and maintaining simple queues at ATM’s or petrol stations upon their return home.

The ‘Nigerian factor’ also manifests as an attitudinal problem that is easily displayed where the situation permits – where impunity reigns and where the rule of law exists more on paper than in reality. It is a sad reality we have not only graciously accepted as part of the Nigerian culture, but which we unconsciously propagate to our countrymen and coming generations. It is difficult to think of a more perfect encapsulation of everything negative into such a convenient expression that encapsulates mediocrity, nepotism, corruption, inefficiency, lawlessness, disorderliness and every other negativity inimical to the advancement of any well-meaning society.

To drop this hue and cry about this Nigerian factor, it is important to appreciate the following perspectives: One, the ‘Nigerian factor’ is essentially a ‘people’s factor’. Whatever the ill that leads to the use of that expression, it can be traced do the failure or shortcoming of an individual or individuals. Two, we need to be better followers by raising our standards of assessing leadership. The people in positions of authority – those (s)elected to lead – are in the best position to effect the much needed changes in our critical sectors and public policies. We need to quit glorifying and excusing their shortcomings and excesses with this convenient label of the ‘Nigerian factor’, only then will we understand it for what it really is – a People’s problem.

Tijjani Abdulsalam,
(e-mail: tj1389@yahoo.com; Twitter:@TeejayKool; Instagram:@i.am.teejay1.3))