Corruption Is The Bane of Your Progress

A few months ago I was startled by a comment made by an old and wiser
gentleman during a conversation about the state of Nigeria.

"The truth is that 99% of the people in this country are poor. They just
don't realise it yet."

Due to a sudden interruption I was unable to ask him what he meant.

However, a chat with another wise gentleman yesterday enabled me to
understand the above statement a little better.

The biggest obstacle to your progress and prosperity today is Corruption.

The flagrant corruption that seeps through every crevice of government is
what's dwindling your finances, your business, and your general progress in
life.

Sounds a little far-fetched right?! It did to me too at first. But when the
manner in which corruption is destroying our livelihood was explained to me
yesterday I was left shocked, sad, and so so angry.

There are three areas to look at.

1. Inflation

2. Exchange Rates

3. Poor Social Services and Infrastructure

*Inflation*

Simply put, the more money is syphoned out of the treasury, the greater the
amount of money in circulation. The result is that there is way too much
money chasing too few things, leading to an increase in prices of goods.

For example, the demand for prime real estate in Lagos is largely fueled by
those who have gained significantly from corrupt practices - be they
dubious oil deals that deprive our treasury and citizens of oil revenue, or
inflated Government contracts / projects.

The result?

Property prices across board have increased, causing acute headaches for
those trying to buy or rent. In other words, those middle class
professionals that are working so hard to provide for their families are
being squeezed more and more every single day.

*Exchange Rates*

Again, as is usually the case in nations where corruption rules, the
majority of the money is changed to dollars or pounds and moved abroad;
causing greater demand for US Dollars and Pound Sterling.

Worse still  (just ask operators in the capital market), the further delay
in the elections, coupled with a less than transparent or coherent monetary
policy has resulted in huge capital flight, as most foreign investors have
lost confidence in the government . This is why the stock market has taken
such a battering recently.

*Poor Social Services and Infrastructure *

This is simple. The money that is being syphoned out should be spent on
education, healthcare, roads, bridges and trains. But instead it is
constantly used for personal gains.

Are you getting the picture?

Yes, I'm pro Buhari. But this is not a support Buhari article.

It is simply a *Wake Up Call.*

For how long do we want corruption to continue to impoverish us?

A few days ago, as the naira to dollar exchange rate went into free-fall
the CBN Governor told us not to panic.

Don't panic???

Not only is the economic environment challenging enough, but I now have to
sell at least 30% more naira every month to transfer the necessary amount
of funds for my darling daughter's upkeep!

Don't panic??? Is he living on the same planet as the rest of us?

We have a choice.

We can continue to walk on the path of corruption. Or we can choose to say
enough is enough, and opt for a leader / government that is more likely to
stem this gruesome tide of financial malpractice.

Corruption has become the biggest obstacle to not only Nigeria's progress,
but also your own personal growth.

Look at the two candidates on offer, and ask yourself this question;

"Who is more likely to reduce corruption?"