What’s Holding Us Back? 5 Reasons Nigeria is a Powerless Superpower

Nigeria is seen as an African superpower because it has the continent’s largest population and a wealth of natural resources. With over 200 million people, it stands as the most populous country in Africa and the seventh globally. 

This vast population, theoretically, offers a massive workforce, strong military capabilities, and a huge market potential, similar to countries like China and India, which have harnessed their population size to spur economic growth.

In the past, Nigeria was considered a powerhouse in education, economy, and military capabilities. It was known for its high-caliber universities and well-educated graduates. Unfortunately, due to diminished emphasis on education at various government levels, the quality of Nigeria’s educational institutions has declined, falling behind other leading African universities. 

This downturn is reflected in the recent global and African academic rankings. However, despite these advantages, Nigeria has struggled to realize its potential as a regional leader in areas such as education, economy, and sports, raising questions about what’s holding it back. Here are some ways Nigeria is seen as a powerless superpower.

The rise and stagnation of Nigerian education

Once renowned for its high educational standards, Nigeria’s academic institutions were considered among the best globally. However, years of neglect at all levels of government have seen the country’s educational system deteriorate. 

Today, Nigerian universities lag behind other top African institutions in global rankings, reflecting a significant drop in educational quality. This decline hampers the country’s development, as education is critical for fostering innovation and economic growth.

The dwindling fortunes of Nigerian sports

Sport has traditionally been a source of national pride for Nigeria, especially football, which has seen the country achieve significant international success. Icons like Kanu Nwankwo and Jay-Jay Okocha have inspired generations. 

However, recent years have been less impressive, highlighted by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. This decline in sports performance mirrors broader issues of underinvestment and mismanagement that plague various sectors in the country.

Largest economy with no power

Despite being Africa’s largest economy and leading oil producer, Nigeria faces paradoxical challenges, notably its chronic electricity shortage. This has severely restricted economic growth, as a consistent power supply is crucial for industries and modern urban living. 

The situation is dire, with only half of Nigerian households having access to reliable electricity, significantly impacting both urban and rural communities and widening the development gap.

Nigeria’s Cultural Prowess

On a brighter note, Nigeria continues to excel culturally, particularly in music and literature. Nigerian musicians like Burna Boy and Wizkid have taken Afrobeats to the global stage, attracting international investments.

In literature, Nigeria boasts of luminaries such as Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, whose works have won prestigious awards and captured the complexities of Nigerian and African societies. This cultural export has been a soft power tool, showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage and vibrant contemporary art scene.

Nigeria’s tech boom

Amidst these challenges, the tech sector stands out as a beacon of progress and potential. In 2021, Nigerian tech startups raised substantial funds, drawing attention from global investors eager to tap into Africa’s emerging tech market. 

Lagos is rapidly becoming the Silicon Valley of Africa, despite hurdles like inadequate government support and the high cost of living. This sector’s growth is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians, offering a glimpse of the possible future trajectory as a true superpower.