Reclaiming Patriotism: A Missing Pillar in Nigeria’s Development Agenda?

 

"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

— John F. Kennedy

Picture this: it's a hot Sunday afternoon in Lokoja,  the Super Eagles are playing a crucial AFCON match, and for once just once the generator noise stops, the religious banter quiets down, and neighbours from different ethnic backgrounds gather around a TV set, unified in one mission: to cheer Nigeria on. For 90 minutes, class differences, ethnic divides, and even political disagreements seem to dissolve under the green-white-green banner. It’s magical, isn’t it?

But the question lingers: why does this spirit only last for 90 minutes?

Why does patriotism peak during football matches, Olympic wins, or national tragedies only to vanish in Nigeria's daily grind?  Could this fleeting allegiance be the missing pillar in our long and slow march toward national development?

Patriotism in Perspective: More than Flag-waving

Many equate patriotism with ceremonial duties like singing the national anthem, hoisting flags on Independence Day, or attending government-organized rallies. However, true patriotism is far more profound and dynamic. It is a moral compass that guides citizens to prioritize national interests, uphold civic duties, and demand accountability from leadership. It compels a sense of shared destiny and a belief in the promise of the homeland.

Patriotism is baked into the civic culture in advanced nations such as the United States, Canada, and even emerging economies like South Korea. Citizens understand that loving one’s country means working for its good, even in difficult times. Sadly, in Nigeria, patriotism is often seen as naivety a relic of idealism in a system that rarely rewards sincerity.

Patriotism and Development: An Inseparable Link

Development is not merely an economic phenomenon; it is a collective outcome that requires the alignment of both leadership and followership. A government can build roads, provide healthcare, and launch education programs, but if citizens are indifferent, corrupt, or cynical, development efforts stall.

 Patriotism serves as a critical building block for development; this is typified in the following;

1. Civic responsibility: the engine of grassroots development

Patriotic citizens act in the interest of the collective good when they:

(i)  Pay taxes voluntarily and advocate for their transparent use.

(ii)  Obey laws not out of fear but as a civic duty.

(iii) Volunteer in community initiatives.

(iv) Refrain from vandalizing public infrastructure.

(v) Report criminal activity rather than ignore it.

In countries like Finland or Norway, where civic responsibility is entrenched, government institutions function efficiently partly because citizens are highly patriotic and self-regulating. In Nigeria, however, it's common to see people beating traffic lights, dumping refuse in gutters, or vandalizing power installations, and ironically, these same people lament Nigeria's lack of development.   Civic patriotism is the daily commitment to do the right thing for your country, even when no one is watching.

2. National unity: building a shared identity amidst diversity

With over 250 ethnic groups and multiple languages, Nigeria is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. However, diversity alone is not a problem; division is. Patriotism acts as a glue that binds diverse cultures into a cohesive identity. When citizens identify as Nigerians first before tribe, religion, or region, they become stakeholders in national progress.

Examples abound: The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates with distinct identities, yet national pride has forged unity under one vision. Also, India, a federation of different linguistic and religious identities, uses patriotic symbolism to maintain unity despite its heterogeneity. In Nigeria, ethnic-based politics, regional secessionist calls, and identity-based violence have eroded this sense of national unity. Development becomes fragmented, inconsistent, and sometimes exclusionary without a shared purpose.

3. Accountability and democratic vigilance

Patriotism includes the moral obligation to demand good governance. It manifests in civil advocacy, whistleblowing, peaceful protest, and active political participation.

For instance,  the #EndSARS movement (viewed and framed differently by pundits, human rights activists, and a section of the ruling class) showed a new generation of Nigerians acting patriotically, not in violence, but in the demand for a better, safer Nigeria. Also, in South Korea, mass protests have led to the impeachment of presidents, driven not by chaos but by patriotic insistence on ethical governance.  Nigeria needs a culture where political engagement is viewed as national service, not just party affiliation or vote buying.

4. Diaspora contributions: Patriotism from afar

Contrary to popular belief, patriotism isn’t restricted to those physically present in a country. Nigerian professionals abroad contribute billions annually in remittances. But beyond money, the diaspora offers knowledge, networks, and advocacy. Countries like Israel and India have built robust policies around diaspora patriotism, creating platforms for citizens abroad to contribute to nation-building. Nigeria’s engagement with its diaspora community remains shallow, often limited to token gestures. Harnessing diaspora patriotism could become a game-changer.

Learning from Rwanda and Singapore: The Patriotism-Development Nexus

(a)  Rwanda emerged from one of the worst genocides in human history. Under President Kagame, the country adopted a national development model that hinged on collective ownership and patriotic discipline. Citizens participate in monthly “Umuganda” (community work), national service is compulsory, and civic education is emphasized from an early age.

(b) Singapore transitioned from a malaria-ridden island to a global financial hub. Much of this progress is attributed to a culture of national pride, personal sacrifice, and belief in a shared vision. Citizens obey laws religiously, and corruption is nearly non-existent at the civil level. While both countries have their unique challenges, their progress stories highlight the transformative power of patriotism when embedded in governance and society.

Reclaiming Patriotism: Where do we begin in Nigeria?

#. Rethinking civic education

Patriotism must be taught intentionally not just in classrooms but in homes, media, and places of worship. Curriculum reform should include practical civic education that promotes:

(i) Service-based learning: This involves integrating community service into the academic experience of students. By participating in local development projects like clean-up exercises,  fill potholes on the local roads, elderly care, tree planting, or helping in rural schools, students learn the value of selfless contribution to society. It instills civic responsibility and reinforces the idea that true patriotism is action-oriented.

(ii) Conflict resolution: In a multi-ethnic, pluralistic society like Nigeria where religion and ethnicity are like flammable objects which explode at a slightest provocation, learning how to peacefully navigate disagreements is essential. Civic education should equip learners with nonviolent communication skills, mediation techniques, and critical thinking to address disputes without resorting to hate speech, violence, or tribal stereotyping.

(iii) National history beyond colonial narratives:  Many Nigerians are more familiar with colonial exploits than with indigenous resistance movements, pre-colonial governance systems, or post-independence nation-building efforts. A decolonized history curriculum that highlights local heroes, cultural achievements, and pan-African cooperation will foster pride and ownership of Nigeria’s story.

(iv) Ethics and empathy: Teaching young Nigerians to value integrity, fairness, and compassion builds a moral foundation for good citizenship. Empathy in particular, promotes social harmony by encouraging students to see things from other people’s perspectives key in a diverse, often divided country. Ethical thinking nurtures future leaders who act in the public interest.

#. Transforming leadership culture

People follow what they see. When leaders embezzle public funds, abuse power, or perpetuate ethnic politics, they create a cynical citizenry. Nigeria must raise a generation of public servants whose patriotism is seen in policy, action, and lifestyle.

#. Rebranding national programs

Programs like the NYSC, Unity Schools, and national festivals should be reoriented to genuinely promote patriotism, not just tick administrative boxes.

#. Incentivizing patriotic acts

Why should only entertainers and politicians be celebrated? Citizens who return lost funds, build community libraries, or innovate solutions for local problems deserve national recognition, awards, and media attention.

#. Strategic storytelling

Let’s tell more stories of hope, stories that inspire or can spur people to action for their country. The media must spotlight the everyday heroes, not just political drama. It can lead this by highlighting innovation, sacrifice, and nation-building from the grassroots up.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s development cannot rely solely on oil, foreign loans, or infrastructure projects. These are tools, but the real asset is the people. A nation of unpatriotic citizens is like a house with gold-painted walls and a termite-infested foundation. It may look fine, but collapse is inevitable. We need a new kind of patriotism, not one of blind nationalism but one of constructive loyalty where we love Nigeria enough to challenge its problems, fight injustice, and build a better future for the next generation.

******By Shadrach B. Adams*****