Lagos — By all standards, Nigeria should be among the league of developed countries such as China, Japan, Britain and even the United States. As the world's fifth largest producer of crude oil, Nigeria has got all it needs to be well developed: surplus human and natural resources. What with the large production of both food and cash crops and subsequent export of agricultural products. Huge deposit of raw materials, technocrats, the best swimmers in the riverine creeks, or athletes that train continuously on Nigerian roads, hawking wares and their products.

Nigeria's absence among the developed countries of the world is not because it lacks what it takes to be developed but simply because it has all it needs but does not fully utilize or wrongly does so due to corruption. This is an obstacle militating against Nigerian's development. Corruption is visible in every facet of life, not only in politics or government.

Recently, the West Africa Examinations Council had to postpone an English Language paper due to massive leakage. Who is responsible for such leakage? Is it not officials of the same exam body? A person who has not achieved academically is seen as a failure, which should not be so. There is no benefit of Nigeria's position as a leading producer of crude oil because the country continues to import fuel. The nation's refineries can be revived and sustained if a round peg is put in a round hole. The cost of importing refined fuel is an unnecessary one cost that can be avoided. The issue of employment by connection is detrimental to development.

It beats me hollow to see that no matter how transparent an administration claims to be, cans of worm are opened at the expiration of such administrations. What with the stunning revelations arising from the probe of the power and health sectors. There are huge investments made in the agricultural sector without a corresponding result. The country is currently under threat of food crisis despite some states claiming to be food baskets of the nation and with farming as their proud slogan states. In Nigerian, corruption seems to start from childhood. Exam malpractices have been reduced to even primary school level. Corruption is visible in Nigeria in many forms; also in communication and indecent dressing, mostly common among youths.

Corruption can be tackled headlong and reduced to the barest minimum only if the crusaders against it are sincere and honest, and are prepared to show anyone found wanting the way out.