Nigerian leaders favour connections over merit

In Nigeria, the culture of ‘who you know’ trumps the culture of merit when it comes to job opportunities. As a result, many government positions are filled with friends and family members of officials, instead of the most qualified candidates. This selfish practice leads to a less productive and capable government, as well as disenfranchised citizens who feel that they have no chance of getting ahead. It is common practice for some government officials to fill jobs with friends and family members, rather than with the most qualified candidates as a sign of selfishness and corruption, as it benefits the few at the expense of the many. It also leads to a less efficient and effective government, as unqualified people are given positions they are not prepared for.

The negative effects of this practice are numerous. Firstly, unqualified individuals are often given jobs that they are not suited for, which can lead to ineffective decision-making and a decline in productivity. Additionally, the public loses faith in the government when they see nepotism and favouritism at work. This can lead to disillusionment and disengagement from civic life, as citizens feel that there is no point in participating in a system that is rigged against them. Furthermore, this culture of selfishness and corruption can spill over into other areas of society, such as business and education.

In terms of government efficiency, it can lead to wasted resources and poor outcomes. This is because officials may be more concerned with advancing the interests of their friends and family than with fulfilling their responsibilities. As a result, projects may be delayed or incomplete, and decisions may not be made in the best interests of the public.

Moreover, this culture can have a negative impact on the relationship between the government and the people. When citizens see that the system is not fair, they may become disillusioned and disengaged. It may encourage citizens to take shortcuts and engage in unethical behaviour themselves, as they feel that the system is already corrupt.     

Another effect of this type of selfishness and corruption on an individual level is that the people who are not given jobs based on merit may feel angry and resentful, which can lead to feelings of alienation and disenfranchisement. On a societal level, the lack of fairness in the system can create a sense of disillusionment and distrust in the government, leading to a lack of engagement in civic life. On an economic level, the practice of nepotism can lead to a less productive and efficient economy, as unqualified people are put in charge of important tasks. On a national level, the effects of selfishness and corruption in the government can have serious implications for the country’s stability and development. The lack of trust in the government can lead to political instability, as citizens lose faith in the system and turn to more extreme measures to express their discontent.       

To address the issue of selfishness and corruption at the individual level, it is important to promote a culture of integrity and professionalism in government. This can be achieved through training and education programmes that teach government officials about ethical decision-making and the importance of impartiality. Additionally, there should be a clear code of conduct for government officials, with clear consequences for violations. At the societal level, there should be a public dialogue about the importance of fair and transparent government, and the negative consequences of nepotism. At the economic level, the government should create incentives for companies and organisations to hire based on merit and qualifications, rather than connections. This could be done through tax breaks, grants, and other incentives. Additionally, the government should set an example by hiring based on merit, and by ensuring that public services are delivered effectively and efficiently. At the national level, the government should create policies that encourage economic development and the creation of jobs based on merit. This could include investment in infrastructure, education, and other areas that promote economic growth. The media can play a role in this dialogue by highlighting the successes and failures of government hiring practices.

Fadeela Mustapha Lawan wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Borno State University.