Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed disappointment over the nation’s failure to implement policies effectively, describing Nigeria as a “burial ground for policies.
” Speaking on Saturday, Obasanjo pointed out that while the country does not lack ideas or plans for advancement, the consistent failure to execute those policies has led to more setbacks than progress.
Obasanjo emphasized that policies alone are insufficient to drive development, and real progress comes from decisive actions, not empty promises.
He warned against spreading efforts too thin, advising that leaders should focus on what is realistically achievable rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
He said, “It is not enough for leaders to have policies or make statements. We are not short of policies in Nigeria.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has become a burial ground of policies that are either unimplemented or unexecuted. Those who make progress achieve it by taking action, not by merely wishing for it.”
The former president made these remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the Olusegun Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja during the 8th Engr Brig Gen (rtd) Michael Agu Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards.
The event was hosted by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers, with the theme “Nigeria’s 21 years in space 2003-2024: Achievements, challenges and prospects.”
At the event, Obasanjo was honored with the title of Grand Commander of Nigerian Space Exploration. He also reflected on his administration’s efforts in establishing the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), sending over 100 engineers to China for training, and collaborating with China to launch Nigeria’s first satellite.
However, he expressed disappointment with the lack of sustained progress, revealing that the agency once struggled to even pay its workers.