A friend recently compared Nigeria to a casino—a place where nothing is predictable, and every outcome feels like the roll of a dice. This observation rings true for many Nigerians, especially as we reflect on the country’s ongoing issues. From political instability to economic mismanagement, Nigeria appears to be spiraling further into decline, with no clear prospects for improvement.
One of the most glaring signs of this decline is the mass exodus of skilled professionals. Just last year, Nigeria issued three million new passports, a reflection of how many Nigerians—especially the intelligentsia—are seeking greener pastures abroad. They’ve been pushed away by a leadership that shows little interest in fostering a conducive environment for growth and development. Instead, Nigeria’s government is filled with unexpected, often incompetent leaders who are actively discouraging innovation and progress. The best minds are leaving, and those left behind are struggling.
The banking sector is one example of the chaos. Major banks like Zenith Bank have experienced massive disruptions, leaving customers without access to their funds for extended periods. Recently, Zenith Bank halted operations for more than a week to “update its systems,” a move that left many without access to their savings. In a modern world, such a failure is unimaginable—especially when the bank should be at the forefront of technological efficiency.
But it’s not just the banking sector. The oil and gas industry, long the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, is in disarray. Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has faced significant obstacles despite his efforts to bolster Nigeria’s oil refining capacity. His $21 billion refinery, which began operations in early 2024, has been hampered by crude supply disputes with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and accusations of monopolistic practices have further complicated matters. As a result, Dangote has struggled to meet his refinery’s capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, a figure that could significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products  .
Government corruption plays a massive role in these failures. Billions of dollars have been funneled into ineffective projects, with those in power siphoning off resources for personal gain. Despite the government’s recent move to remove petrol subsidies, the country still unofficially supports the oil industry in ways that benefit the rich while leaving everyday Nigerians to suffer the consequences . This lack of accountability has made it difficult for anyone with legitimate expertise to thrive within Nigeria.
The result? A country teetering on the edge of becoming a failed state. In the north, militants like Boko Haram and ISIS continue to terrorize communities, leaving many areas insecure and uninhabitable. Politically, violence is rampant, with thugs and gangsters dominating local elections, pushing out anyone with real merit or a desire to serve the public good. Even the most well-intentioned individuals, like Dangote, find themselves battling sabotage, as the government seems to prefer preserving its own interests over fostering economic growth .
Nigeria, once poised to become a global powerhouse like Malaysia or Indonesia, is now stuck in a cycle of corruption and stagnation. Its potential remains enormous, but as long as the country continues to operate like a casino—relying on chance rather than strategy—it will never realize its full capabilities.
The Complex Dynamics of Black Identity and Voting in 2024
It’s troubling that in 2024, the conversation among many African Americans still revolves heavily around skin color, with voting choices often influenced by racial identity. Many Black voters don’t view Kamala Harris as “Black enough,” despite her father being Jamaican and her mother South Indian, a woman with dark skin like many African Americans. This ongoing debate over who qualifies as Black, particularly tied to ancestry rooted in American slavery, is perplexing, especially when many African Americans carry mixed-race DNA due to slavery.
Harris has faced criticism, particularly from Black men, for her record as California’s Attorney General, where her tough-on-crime policies led to the incarceration of many Black men. This, combined with her marriage to a white man and perceived shifting racial identity, has led some to view her as disconnected from the struggles of the African American community. Nevertheless, Black women continue to support her, envisioning her as a potential first woman of color president.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has made surprising inroads among some Black men, capitalizing on economic messages and positioning himself as someone who can relate to their struggles. His unfiltered style resonates with voters who feel disillusioned by the Democratic Party and its perceived failure to address their needs. Despite being labeled racist, Trump’s rhetoric about the economy and law enforcement resonates with those who feel abandoned by the system.
The 2024 election is revealing a more politically diverse Black electorate, with a growing number of voters refusing to be swayed by traditional appeals. Harris will need to bridge these divides and address concerns within the Black community if she hopes to galvanize enough support to win.
Self-Driving Cars: The Future of Transportation
In a few years, self-driving cars, like Tesla’s Robotaxi, will be as common as automatic gears are today. People will no longer feel the need to drive themselves, just as we don’t fly our own planes. When we travel internationally, we trust the pilot or autopilot while we enjoy lunch, watch movies, or even nap—relying completely on technology to get us to our destination. Similarly, future autonomous vehicles will allow us to relax, work, or read while AI safely navigates.
Once this technology proves its reliability and safety, manual driving will become a thing of the past, and future generations will wonder why we ever had to do it ourselves. Companies like Waymo and Tesla are pushing the boundaries, and while we’re still in the testing phase, it’s only a matter of time before full autonomy becomes standard. Just as the internet became an everyday utility, self-driving cars will blend into our daily lives.
