Nigeria marked its 65th year of independence on October 1, 2025, prompting reflections on its progress from
According to the Arise News report on Friday 3, 2025, Ann-Kio Briggs, a prominent Niger Delta development activist and political commentator, expressed profound disappointment in the nation’s trajectory during media interview. “Dubai came to borrow money from Nigeria when it discovered oil. I am ashamed to say the story is that we drove Dubai away because we didn’t believe they could pay us back. Look at Dubai today and look at Nigeria.”
She argued that Nigeria has underperformed significantly since 1960, particularly in governance and economic development, despite its abundant resources. Briggs highlighted a historical anecdote where Dubai sought a loan from Nigeria upon discovering oil, only to be rebuffed due to doubts about repayment, contrasting Dubai’s current prosperity with Nigeria’s stagnation.
The activist’s critique extends to the post-1999 democratic era, where she noted persistent issues of poor leadership and mismanagement. Briggs emphasized that Nigeria’s failure stems from placing unqualified individuals in positions of power, leading to exacerbated challenges in regions like the Niger Delta, which continue to demand better infrastructure and accountability.
This sentiment echoes broader national discourse on corruption, ineffective policies, and the need for truthful acknowledgment of systemic failures to foster meaningful change.The implications of such underdevelopment are far-reaching, affecting economic growth, social stability, and international standing.
Briggs’ call for accepting harsh realities as a prerequisite for reform underscores the urgency for electing competent leaders who prioritize national interests over personal gain. Without this shift, she warns, advocacy efforts will remain futile, perpetuating a cycle of disappointment.
In conclusion, as Nigeria navigates its future, Briggs’ perspective serves as a reminder of untapped potential. Embracing transparency and strategic governance could position the country as a regional powerhouse, learning from global examples like Dubai to achieve sustainable progress. See, More, Here>>>
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