By Abidemi Adebamiwa
Did you know that South Korea was still under military rule less than 40 years ago? Yet today, it ranks among the world’s top economies. Meanwhile, Nigeria, with its abundant resources and vibrant population continues to struggle with basic developmental goals. You’re sitting in a lively debate about Nigeria’s development, and someone says: “Well, we’re still a young democracy.”
Heads nod. It feels like a reasonable explanation. After all, Nigeria only returned to civilian rule in 1999—just 25 years ago. Compared to countries with centuries of democratic practice, we might seem like a teenager in a room full of grown-ups. But let’s pause and ask: is this really why we haven’t “caught up”? Or is it just an easy way out?
Let’s take a detour to the Asian Tigers – South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. These countries didn’t start as democratic paragons. South Korea didn’t have its first direct presidential election until the late 1980s. By then, it was already racing ahead economically.
Taiwan’s transformation began under authoritarian rule. And Singapore’s early years were steered by a leader, Lee Kuan Yew, who famously said: ““Democracy doesn’t necessarily lead to development,” he argued. These countries didn’t wait for their democracies to ripen before tackling poverty, investing in education, or building skyscrapers. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
Now, back to Nigeria. Why haven’t we followed suit? Here’s the hard truth: our struggles aren’t because our democracy is young. They’re because we’re not using it well. Democracy isn’t a magic wand; it’s a tool.
And like any tool, it only works if you know how to use it. In Nigeria, too often, democracy feels like a game where a few win big while everyone else gets left behind. Elections become a “winner takes all” battle instead of a platform to drive progress. It’s no wonder we feel stuck.
But here’s the exciting part: We have everything we need to “catch up.” The Asian Tigers didn’t catch up by whining about their colonial past or waiting for perfect conditions. They made bold decisions, invested in their people, and stayed laser-focused on their goals. Nigeria is brimming with resources, talent, and youthful energy. The potential is staggering, but potential alone won’t light up homes or put food on tables.
Imagine if we flipped the script. Instead of saying: “We’re a young democracy,” we said. “We’re a resourceful democracy.” What if we used our democratic freedoms to demand better schools, transparent budgets, and leaders who deliver results?
Picture young Nigerians—who make up over 60% of the population – raising their voices, not for empty promises, but for real change. Envision a democracy that builds roads, powers communities, and provides quality education, regardless of age.
Blaming our “youngness” is a distraction. Nigeria doesn’t need more time. It needs sharper focus. The Asian Tigers didn’t wait. And neither should we. Every day spent making excuses is a day lost on the journey to catching up. Let’s stop leaning on age as a crutch and start building the Nigeria we dream of. The clock is ticking, and the path is clear. It’s time to catch up and forge ahead.
Abidemi Adebamiwa writes from Pleasanton, California, USA