Falola advocates grassroots activism as solution to Nigeria’s political challenges

Renowned historian and globally celebrated African scholar, Professor Toyin Falola, delivered a compelling call for a revival of grassroots activism as the cornerstone for addressing Nigeria’s deep-seated political and social challenges.

Speaking at the 2024 convocation lecture of Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, themed ‘Power, Politics, and Policies’, Falola championed the transformative potential of citizen-led movements in reshaping governance and revitalising the nation’s socio-political landscape.

Held at the College of Health Sciences Auditorium I, the event attracted an audience that included graduating students, faculty, university administrators, and members of the wider public. Falola’s lecture was a blend of historical insights, critical analyses, and actionable strategies aimed at galvanizing societal change.

Drawing from Nigeria’s storied history, Falola celebrated grassroots activism as a proven tool for challenging oppression and enacting meaningful reform. “By grassroots activism, I refer to the sort that spurred the Egba and Aba Women’s protests of yesteryears,” he began, referencing the historic uprisings led by ordinary citizens. “These movements were not just about resistance; they were about reimagining the relationship between the people and power.”

He linked these historical movements to more recent efforts like the #EndSARS protests, describing them as modern exemplars of the power of collective action. “The #EndSARS movement showed us that ordinary people, united by a common purpose, can compel leadership to reconsider odious policies and practices,” Falola noted. “History has proven time and again that Nigeria’s rescue must be citizen-led and democratic.”

Falola was unsparing in his critique of the governance structures that, he argued, have perpetuated inequality and stagnation in Nigeria. He characterized governance in the country as “self-defeating,” often prioritising bureaucratic bloat over meaningful service delivery.

“Governance is not merely about ruling; it is fundamentally about removing barriers to people’s ability to thrive, especially for those experiencing poverty.

“Yet, Nigeria’s governance approach has often favoured inefficiency and waste, resulting in bloated state institutions that consume resources without delivering commensurate results.”

He cited the Stephen Oronsaye report as a blueprint for addressing these inefficiencies. The report, which recommended reducing the number of federal agencies from 263 to 161, has largely been ignored by successive administrations.

“The report’s findings could save billions in revenue, but its implementation has been stymied by political expediency and inertia,” Falola lamented.

Turning to the Tinubu administration, Falola expressed skepticism about its commitment to efficient governance. He criticized the president’s record-breaking cabinet appointments, describing them as a contradiction to the government’s stated goal of fiscal prudence.

“This cabinet, the largest since 1999, ironically perpetuates the culture of wastefulness. While the president has defended this decision as a means of creating employment, it raises serious questions about the administration’s developmental priorities.”

Falola also questioned recent legislative proposals to create new security agencies, such as the Nigerian Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. “These proposals are redundant,” he argued. “We already have the Navy, NIMASA, and the police’s marine unit tasked with securing our maritime environment. Such duplication not only strains resources but also exacerbates inter-agency conflicts.”

Despite his critiques, Falola offered a roadmap for reform, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between government and citizens.

He highlighted the digitization of government services, such as passport applications, as a positive step towards improving efficiency and accessibility.

“To truly reform governance, we must adopt creative strategies that address citizens’ grievances and rebuild trust,” he said. “Innovation, transparency, and accountability must be at the heart of these efforts.”

Falola’s address culminated in a passionate call to action, urging Nigerians to reclaim their agency and demand better governance. “The trajectory of our nation’s history has shown that ordinary citizens hold the key to transformative change,” he declared.

“It is time to channel the spirit of our predecessors—the Egba women, the Aba women, and the #EndSARS protesters—and demand governance that truly serves the people.”

His speech concluded to thunderous applause, with audience members visibly inspired by his vision for a citizen-led transformation of Nigeria.

Falola’s lecture was more than a critique; it was a rallying cry for a new era of grassroots activism. By weaving together historical narratives, contemporary analyses, and actionable solutions, he left his audience with a renewed sense of hope and a clear understanding of their role in shaping Nigeria’s future.

The event underscored the enduring relevance of grassroots activism as a tool for change and served as a poignant reminder of the collective power of ordinary Nigerians to demand and achieve a better nation.

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