Change begins with us.

If there’s one thing I really don’t like about Nigeria, it’s the way we, the people, have gradually become part of the problem. Yes, I know our leaders are not doing well at all. In fact, calling them bad is even an understatement—many of them are corrupt, selfish, and clueless about what good governance really means. But let’s not act like we, the citizens, are entirely innocent either. In so many ways, we are contributing to the rot that’s eating this country from within.

Take, for example, the way we handle prices of goods and services. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve gone to the market or tried to buy something, and the price just didn’t make sense. Even when the cost of items is supposed to drop, people still sell them at high prices and blame it on either the dollar rate or the price of petrol. It’s like a chorus at this point: “Dollar don rise” or “Petrol no cheap.” I’ve heard it so much that I’m honestly tired. These excuses have become a permanent part of our daily conversations. Even when you clearly know that the cost of production has reduced or transportation is not as expensive as before, sellers will still stick to the inflated prices just because they can.

There was a particular incident that really got to me. Earlier this year, I was heading back to school. Usually, the fare I pay to get to my final bus stop before taking a bike is 2,000 naira. That’s the normal rate I had always known. But this one day, I entered a cab and placed my bag in the boot, only for the driver to suddenly announce that everyone would be paying 2,500 naira. I was shocked, and so were the other passengers. We all looked at each other in disbelief. This same route was still 2,000 even when petrol was selling at over 1,000 naira per litre. Now that petrol had dropped to around 900 naira, he was demanding even more. It felt like daylight robbery.

What hurt me the most was that I had budgeted my money carefully for the journey, and this unexpected increase messed things up. I ended up having to make a transfer from my phone just to complete the fare. I couldn't even argue or get down because I needed to get to school on time, and finding another cab wasn’t going to be easy. I just paid the money, but the bitterness stayed with me for days.

Another thing that frustrates me deeply is how people behave during elections. Yes, I also believe there was rigging in the last presidential election. But can we be honest for once? Are we really going to pretend that no one voted for Tinubu? A lot of people voted for him not because they believed he would be a good leader but simply because he was from their tribe. Tribalism played a huge role. It was no longer about competence or plans—it was about “he’s our person.” And now many of those same people are the ones crying and complaining about how things have turned out.

Let’s also not forget how these politicians come with bags of rice, small cash, and empty promises. People collect these things and vote for them without thinking about the long-term damage. And when the suffering begins, they act surprised. Yes, elections can be rigged, but there are real votes in there, too. Too many Nigerians vote based on personal benefit, tribe, or empty promises instead of wisdom and foresight.

So, when I think about what I truly dislike and need to change about Nigeria, it’s not just the leadership—it’s us. The people. Until we start holding ourselves accountable and change our mindset, I honestly don’t see this country getting better anytime soon.

Thanks for reading.

Posted Using INLEO