Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep concerns over Nigeria’s ineffective policy implementation, describing the country as a “burial ground of policies”.
Obasanjo made the comment during the 8th Engr Brig Gen (rtd) Micheal Agu Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja.
The lecture and awards with the theme “Nigeria’s 21 years in space 2003-2024: Achievements, challenges, and prospects” were organised by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers.
Obasanjo emphasized that policy statements alone are insufficient, stressing the need for concrete actions to drive progress. Nigeria’s history of policy stagnation underscores the urgency of this issue, according to Politics Nigeria.
Citing his own experience, Obasanjo recalled establishing the National Space Research and Development Agency and training Nigerian engineers.
However, progress stalled after his tenure, with NASRDA facing significant challenges, including difficulties in paying staff.
Obasanjo’s comments highlight the critical need for Nigeria to translate policies into tangible actions, ensuring meaningful progress and development. His words underscore the importance of effective leadership and implementation.
“It is not enough for leaders to have policies or make statements,” Obasanjo said. “We are not short of policies in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Nigeria has become a burial ground of policies that are either unimplemented or unexecuted.
” Those who make progress achieve progress not on the basis of wishing to make progress, but on taking actions,” Obasanjo noted. “They do not take two steps forward and three steps backwards. Regrettably, this is what we are doing in every aspect of our national life.
“It is not enough for leaders to have policies or make statements,” Obasanjo said. “We are not short of policies in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Nigeria has become a burial ground of policies that are either unimplemented or unexecuted.”
