By
Chief Akinwumi Akinfenwa
The Federal Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has perfected the art of political theatrics, and its so-called *”Nigeria First”* campaign is nothing more than a poorly scripted public relations stunt—a hollow mantra repeated ad nauseam without any real commitment to substance.
What should have been a galvanizing national ethos has instead been reduced to hollow rhetoric, parroted endlessly by officials whose actions betray a profound disconnect from the ideals they pretend to champion.
From the onset, this administration has shown a glaring disconnect between its lofty pronouncements and its actual policy choices. Lip service has become the defining characteristic of this government’s approach to patriotism and national development. While the banners and speeches scream “Nigeria First,” the reality on ground paints a starkly different picture. Policies are still tilted in favour of foreign interests. Contracts, procurements, and even leadership appointments reflect a deep-seated preference for personal gain over national interest. Local manufacturers and innovators continue to be neglected in favour of foreign corporations. The hypocrisy is glaring.
If this administration were serious about placing Nigeria first, it would show in its priorities. It would reflect in budgetary allocations that empower local industries, in security strategies that prioritize the lives of citizens, in education policies that invest in the Nigerian child, and in healthcare systems that do not compel public office holders to seek treatment abroad. But what we see is tokenism at best — an unrealistic play to the gallery that lacks depth, vision, and genuine patriotism.
Leadership, by its very essence, must be exemplary. A government that expects citizens to put Nigeria first must first put its people first. The President and his team must embody the values they seek to promote — integrity, accountability, transparency, and above all, an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s advancement. Sadly, what we witness today is a regime more concerned with optics than outcomes, more interested in managing perceptions than in solving problems.
*Lip Service Over Genuine Commitment*
What does “Nigeria First” truly mean when:
– *Government officials and political elites still prioritize foreign medical trips over fixing our collapsing healthcare system?*
– *Key appointments and contracts still favour foreign consultants over homegrown expertise?*
– *The same recycled politicians and economic saboteurs remain at the helm of critical national decisions?*
The “Nigeria First” campaign, as it currently stands, is dead on arrival. Without clear frameworks, actionable policies, and visible government sacrifices, it remains a shallow and insincere marketing gimmick. Patriotism cannot be coerced through slogans — it must be earned through trust, through justice, and through bold, people-centered leadership.
The hypocrisy is staggering. A government that claims to prioritize Nigeria should lead by example—yet we see no deliberate shift in consumption patterns, no aggressive push for local manufacturing, and no tangible reduction in the *obscene reliance on foreign goods and services* by those in power.
*Tokenism Will Not Build a Nation*
Throwing a few contracts to indigenous businesses while maintaining the same exploitative economic structures is not patriotism—it is **deception**. Celebrating “Made-in-Nigeria” day while government houses are stocked with imported champagne is not policy—it is *a joke*.
Real “Nigeria First” leadership would mean:
– *Mandating strict local content laws* and enforcing them without exception.
– *Ending the disgraceful trend of Nigerian leaders seeking medical care, education, and luxury abroad* while our own institutions decay.
– *Slashing wasteful government expenditures on foreign goods* and redirecting those funds into local production.
*Dead on Arrival: A Slogan Without Soul*
Like every other empty slogan in Nigerian political history, this *”Nigeria First”* campaign is *dead on arrival* because it lacks sincerity. The Nigerian people are not fools—we recognize performative patriotism when we see it. We have endured decades of leaders who *speak like nationalists but act like colonial overseers*, and this administration is proving no different.
President Tinubu’s government must wake up to the reality that Nigerians are watching. And we are not fooled. Real leadership is not about chanting catchy mantras; it’s about making tough decisions that serve the collective good. If the “Nigeria First” campaign is to mean anything at all, it must start from the top — with visible, consistent, and credible actions that truly put Nigeria and Nigerians first.
Enough of the talk. Let the action speak.
CHIEF AKINWUMI AKINFENWA WRITES FROM IBADAN, OYO STATE
