Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep concern over the state of policy implementation in Nigeria, referring to the country as a “burial ground of policies.”
His remarks were made during the 8th Engr Brig Gen (rtd) Micheal Agu Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja.
The event, organized by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers, focused on “Nigeria’s 21 years in space 2003-2024: Achievements, challenges, and prospects.”
Obasanjo emphasised that merely having policies is insufficient for national progress.
He remarked, “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.”
The former President said that meaningful progress requires concrete actions, not just policy statements.
“Those who make progress achieve progress not on the basis of wishing to make progress, but on taking actions,” Obasanjo noted. “They do not take two steps forward and three steps backwards. Regrettably, this is what we are doing in every aspect of our national life.”
Reflecting on his administration, Obasanjo noted his efforts to advance Nigeria’s space program, including the establishment of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the training of over 100 Nigerian engineers in China.
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He outlined plans to launch three satellites—one built by China, one in collaboration with China, and a third designed and built entirely by Nigeria. However, he lamented that progress had stalled after his departure from office, with NASRDA reportedly facing challenges in paying its workers.
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