Nigeria, well known as the "Giant of Africa," is blessed with rich diversity, vast resources, great human resources, talented and visionary personalities, and a vibrant population. However, in recent years, this great nation has faced serious challenges threatening its peace, stability, unity and overall progress of it's well-meaning citizens. From insecurity to ethnic tensions, economic inequality to mistrust in governance — the cracks are visible and touchable.
If Nigeria must move forward as a united and peaceful country, to actually retain and interpret what we once know as our motto, the Federal Government (FG) must take urgent and strategic steps. Here are eight key actions the FG must take to restore peace, unity and progress in Nigeria - our blessed nation:1. Promote National Dialogue and Reconciliation
The FG must organize a sincere, all-inclusive national dialogue involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society, and political stakeholders. This dialogue should address long-standing grievances, ethnic tensions, and calls for restructuring. Reconciliation processes — such as truth commissions or peace-building conferences — must be encouraged to heal wounds and restore trust among diverse ethnic groups. Most importantly, the youths should and must not be neglected; as they are the hope of the continuous existence of this nation.
2. End Insecurity and Strengthen Law Enforcement
No country can enjoy peace, unity and progress without proper and reasonable level of security. The FG must strengthen the capacity of the military and police to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. This includes equipping security forces with modern tools, improving intelligence gathering, and reforming the police to become more community-focused and human rights-conscious. A safe Nigeria is a peaceful Nigeria. Moreso, the FG must make sure that the security agencies are not using their opportunity as armed men in authority to molest those they may see as the bloody civilians.
3. Fight Corruption with Integrity
Corruption fuels inequality, breeds injustice, and weakens trust in government. The FG must strengthen anti-corruption institutions like the EFCC and ICPC to operate without political interference. Transparent governance, accountability in public spending, and prosecution of corrupt officials — regardless of status — will boost citizens' confidence and promote unity. Though this may not be so easy, because everyone both within and outside the country believes that no Nigerian can be free from corruption. But with good leadership, this bad reputation can be taking away.
4. Tackle Unemployment and Poverty
A hungry and jobless population is a breeding ground for unrest; because a hungry man, is an angry man. The government must create sustainable job opportunities for youths, support small businesses, and invest in agriculture and digital economy sectors. Social intervention programs should be well-targeted to lift millions out of poverty and reduce desperation. This is because when the youths are gainfully empowered and employed, they will have no time causing havoc and troubles around the streets of the country. Remember - An idle man, is the devils workshop and the demon's instrument. Many youths are still not happy, after spending much money and passing a lot of stress in the higher institutions, yet no meaningful job to compensate their efforts. How can a complete graduate with OND, HND, NCE, Bsc and much more, see himself riding bike (Okada) on the streets, instead of being in office, and he become happy. Actually, this is one of the major reasons why peace, unity and progress has left our dear nation - Nigeria.
5. Ensure Justice and Equity for All
Unity cannot thrive without justice. The FG must ensure that all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, family background, gender, or region, are treated fairly and equally. This means fair distribution of resources, appointments based on merit and inclusion, and addressing complaints of marginalization. A sense of belonging will reduce agitation and strengthen patriotism. Hence, the moment sentiment and discrimination entered our offices, was the same time peace, unity and progress disappeared. Thus, to bring these back, FG under the leadership of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must take reasonable and tactical steps to bring back justice and equity.
6. Invest in Quality Education and National Orientation
Education remains a powerful tool to combat ignorance, hate, and extremism. The FG must prioritize education and use school curricula to teach national values, unity, peace, and civic responsibility. Also, agencies like the National Orientation Agency should be revived to promote patriotism and discourage divisive narratives. This is because when the people are not educated or civilized, they will have no option than to be causing troubles and havoc. This blog therefore give credit to some of our governors, who have understood the efficacy of good quality education in fighting disunity, and ensuring progress. Hence, if there must be a quality education in the entire nation, it have to start from the states.
7. Implement True Federalism and Restructure Governance
Many Nigerians believe that the current system concentrates too much power at the center. Restructuring — such as granting more autonomy to states, resource control, and fiscal federalism — can reduce tensions and give every region a sense of ownership. A restructured Nigeria will enhance development, equity, and peace.
8. Release Of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu
Not just the South-Easterners alone, the world at large believe that some of the havoc and distractions the country is facing is as a result of the continuous detention of the IPOB leader. Coming to think of it, so many citizens both from the North than to the South, has been expressing their concern over the detention of Mazi Kalu. This has taking away happiness and peace from the mind of many peace-loving Nigerians. Which have also affected our National unity and progress. It therefore become important for FG to listen to the cry of both the Elders, Youths, and Children, who have believed that releasing Kalu will help restore the Nation's peace, unity and progress.
Final Thoughts:
Restoring peace and unity in Nigeria is not a day’s job, but it is possible if the Federal Government shows strong political will, listens to the people, and leads with fairness and justice. Nigerians are resilient and peace-loving; with the right policies and sincere efforts, a united and prosperous Nigeria can rise once again.
Let every Nigerian, especially our leaders, commit to building bridges — not walls — across the nation.
#PeaceInNigeria #UnitedNigeria #LeadershipForChange
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