Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recently expressed concerns about Nigeria’s approach to policy-making, labeling the country a “burial ground of policies.”
Obasanjo made these remarks during the 8th Engr Brig Gen (rtd) Micheal Agu Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards, which took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja.
The event, themed “Nigeria’s 21 Years in Space 2003-2024: Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects,” was organized by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers.
“It is insufficient for leaders to merely create policies or issue statements,” Obasanjo stated. “We have an abundance of policies in Nigeria, yet the unfortunate reality is that these policies often remain unimplemented or ignored.”
The former President emphasized that achieving meaningful advancement necessitates tangible actions rather than just verbal commitments.
“Progress is not achieved through mere aspirations; it is the result of decisive actions,” he remarked. “Progressive nations do not take two steps forward and then three steps back, yet this is precisely what we are experiencing across every facet of our national existence.”
Obasanjo reflected on his own administration, during which he established the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). He noted that he had prioritized the training of Nigerian engineers, sending over 100 professionals to China for specialized education.
He elaborated on his vision of launching three satellites: one to be constructed by China, another through collaboration with China, and a third that would be independently designed and built by Nigeria.
However, he lamented that after his tenure, progress halted, and NASRDA encountered difficulties, including issues with employee compensation.
