Nigeria’s biggest problem is indiscipline, not corruption — Ex-Power Minister

A former Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, has asserted that indiscipline, rather than corruption, is Nigeria’s most pressing issue.

He argued that improved discipline and accountability in the management of public services and resources would significantly reduce corruption in the country.

Jedy-Agba made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during the exclusive signing of his memoir, “Grace Unspeakable,” where he reflected on his life journey, leadership experiences, and lessons learned from his time in public service.

He noted that many governance failures in Nigeria are rooted in the inability of public officials to maintain discipline in managing public funds and responsibilities.

He said: “Our problem in Nigeria is not corruption. Our problem is indiscipline. If you are disciplined enough to know that you should not tamper with public funds, you will not tamper with public funds.

“If you are given money to do something, do that thing. Don’t syphon it for personal use. Take that public money and use it to make progress for society.”

He also urged Nigerians to stop glorifying ill-got wealth, saying, “Today we celebrate thieves and rogues. Once we see a rich person, we don’t care how the money was made but you can make money from hard work instead of stealing. You can still give your best without being corrupt.”

On leadership and personal values, the former minister stressed the importance of mentorship and moral guidance in shaping character.

“I came from a peasant community. My parents and my community taught me that if you work hard, you will reap the reward. Those lessons moulded me.”

ALSO READ: NEMA urges Cross River govt to strengthen fire prevention as outbreaks displace residents

The author said he wrote the memoir to share the experiences that shaped his life and to inspire younger generations to pursue integrity, resilience and hard work.

According to Jedy-Agba, the memoir emphasises resilience in the face of life’s uncertainties.

He said: “Life is not measured by the certainty of our plans but by our resilience when fate interrupts them. Every interruption is a lesson that should make us emerge stronger and more determined to fulfil our purpose.

“Life is a journey. It is like a pilgrimage. In every journey, there are jokes, banters, stories and experiences; good, bad and ugly. I have had so many experiences in life, and I felt the best thing to do was to give back by sharing them so others can learn.”

Jedy-Agba described wisdom as a priceless asset that shapes character and leadership saying, “Wisdom is a gift from above. If you have wisdom, it is an asset beyond quantification. It makes you brilliant, exposed and God-fearing.

Recounting a near-death experience that almost led to the amputation of his arm, he said faith, courage and the decision to seek a second medical opinion saved him.

“When I got to the hospital, the doctor said he was going to amputate my arm. I was 56 years old then and it would have affected me psychologically.

“When I later sought treatment in Germany, I realised the importance of having a second opinion and having the fighting spirit. If I didn’t have that determination, I would have lost my arm.”

Jedy-Agba who raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, saying the country lacked adequate diagnostic capacity, also noted that the power sector still has potential for improvement despite its many challenges.

He, however, emphasised the need for consistent investment and payment for gas supply to power generation companies.

“There is hope in the power sector. The problem I hear now is that they don’t have gas because the gas producers were not paid. If you pay for gas, they will give you gas and you generate power. That is the basic thing.”

Jedy-Agba also acknowledged the role of mentorship in his life, particularly from Alhaji Hassan Hadeja, whom he credited with helping shape his values and discipline.

“Mentorship is key. People helped mould me into the person I became. Those lessons prepared me for leadership roles,” he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the memoir came at a time when the country needed strong moral direction.

He said, “This is what Nigeria requires at this point in time when our moral compass is neither here nor there and people see wealth and glamour as the ultimate goal.”

Hadejia praised Jedy-Agba for maintaining integrity throughout his career in public office saying, “When you see someone who had all the opportunities in high office but maintained his decorum and focused on service, that is something that should be celebrated.”

Hadejia added that the book would serve as an important guide for younger Nigerians, even as he added that one of the most inspiring qualities of the author was his humility and ability to remember his roots.

“I think his life and his book will be a good reference point for young people to know that you can still give your best without being corrupt or irresponsible.

“One common thread about people like Jedy-Agba is that they never forget where they came from, and they always remember that life and positions are temporary.”