Debate: Leadership is the Problem of Nigeria (7 Winning Points)

Debate: Leadership is the Problem of Nigeria (7 Winning Points)

 

Looking for the winning points for your next big debate? You’ve come to the right place. I know this topic is a classic, and it’s a tough one. If you are arguing for the motion, you’ve got a strong case.

You’re here for the script for the debate on leadership is the problem of nigeria, and that’s exactly what I’m going to give you.

When we talk about “Leadership,” we mean those in positions of power and authority—from the top government officials to local leaders. When we say it’s “the problem,” we mean it is the root cause of the other challenges our country faces.

Disclaimer: This article is a template to help you win an educational debate. We are arguing for one side of the motion. In real life, all issues are complex, but in a debate, your job is to be persuasive.

Let’s get to the points.

Winning Debate Points on Why Leadership is the Problem of Nigeria

(You can start your speech like this)

Good day, Mr. Chairman, panel of judges, co-debaters, and my fellow students.

I am here today to stand firmly in support of the motion: “Leadership is the Problem of Nigeria.”

My opponents will try to confuse you with other issues. They will talk about “followership,” they will talk about ethnicity, they will talk about religion. But I want you to remember one thing: a fish rots from the head. All other problems in Nigeria today are just symptoms of one single disease: bad governance.

Here are my reasons.

1. The Root of All Other Problems: Bad Governance

My first point is simple. Every other problem we mention today—poor roads, no light, endless strikes in our universities, and insecurity—they all come from one place: bad governance.

It’s not that Nigeria does not have money. We are blessed with oil, with gas, with brilliant people. We have everything we need to be a great nation. The problem is not the resources; it’s the management of those resources. When the people in charge are incompetent or don’t care, the whole country suffers. Every other issue is a result of this core failure.

2. Pervasive Corruption at Every Level

My second point is the cancer that has eaten deep into our system: corruption.

When leaders are corrupt, they don’t see public money as something for building hospitals or schools. They see it as their personal pocket money. Money that was meant to buy medicine for a sick child in a general hospital is suddenly used to buy a new car for a politician.

You don’t even have to take my word for it. This is not just an opinion; it’s a globally recognized fact. According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, Nigeria scores a very low 26 out of 100 (where 100 is “very clean”). This proves that the endemic corruption at the leadership level is holding our entire nation hostage.

3. Deliberate Mismanagement of Our Natural Resources

Let’s talk about our oil. Let’s talk about our minerals. We are one of the richest countries in the world in terms of what is under our soil. So, I ask you: why are we poor?

It is because of the mismanagement of resources. A good leader would take that oil money and build refineries, create jobs, and build industries. This would make our currency strong and give young people jobs.

But what do our leaders do? They export the crude oil and then use our valuable foreign exchange to import refined petrol back to us. It makes no sense! This is a deliberate leadership choice that benefits a few powerful people and keeps the rest of us suffering.

4. A Total Lack of Accountability

My next point is the lack of accountability. In a country that works, when a leader fails, there are consequences. They are sacked. They are jailed. Or at the very least, they are shamed and they resign.

But here? When a leader fails, what happens? Nothing!

A person can be accused of stealing billions, and the next year, you see them running for an even higher office. This creates a system where nobody is afraid to fail. Nobody is afraid to steal. Because there are no consequences. This is a failure of leadership, plain and simple.

5. Weak Institutions That Cannot Check Power

The opposers might say, “It’s not the leaders, it’s the system! The institutions are weak.”

But I ask you, who creates the system? Who makes sure the system works? Who appoints the judges? Who funds the police?

Leaders!

Good leaders build strong institutions. They build police that can’t be bribed and a judiciary that can’t be bought. Our leaders, for decades, have kept our institutions weak on purpose. They do this so that nobody can challenge them. The police are underfunded, the courts are slow. This allows them to operate above the law.

6. The Direct Result: Poverty and Infrastructure Decay

When you mix corruption, mismanagement, and no accountability, what do you get? You get the Nigeria we see today.

You get infrastructure decay. You get roads full of potholes that are death traps. You get schools with no roofs. You get hospitals with no drugs. You get a nation of 200 million people that cannot generate steady electricity.

This isn’t just an inconvenience. It leads to real suffering. It leads to poverty and unemployment. In fact, the World Bank’s overview of Nigeria notes that high inflation and insecurity have led to a situation where over 46% of our citizens live below the poverty line.

Are the 46% of Nigerians lazy? No. Is it their fault? No! It is the fault of the leadership that failed to create jobs, secure the country, and build a working economy.

7. The “Followership” Problem is a Leadership Problem

My opponents will shout, “The followers are the problem too! Nigerians are also corrupt!”

But I put it to you today: a fish rots from the head. The “followership” learns by watching the “leadership.”

When the man at the top is stealing billions, he has no moral right to arrest the man on the street for stealing a loaf of bread. Leadership sets the standard. Our leaders have set a standard of “get-rich-quick” and “anything-goes.” To fix the followers, you must first fix the leaders.

This is why this debate on leadership is the problem of nigeria is so important. Until we get our leadership right, we cannot get Nigeria right. Thank you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the strongest argument for the other side (against the motion)? A: The strongest counter-argument is usually about “followership.” The opposing team will argue that leaders come from the people. They will say that the average citizen who gives a 500 Naira bribe to the police, or the student who cheats in an exam, is also part of the problem. They argue that if the “followers” were better, they would elect better leaders.

Q: How do I conclude this debate speech? A: A good conclusion is short and powerful. Don’t add new points. Just summarize your main argument.

• Example: “Mr. Chairman, I want to leave you with one thought. Nigeria is not a poor country. We are a poorly-managed country. We have the brains, we have the resources, but we lack the one thing that turns potential into reality: good leadership. Do not blame the students for failing when the teachers have not shown up. I rest my case.”

 

Conclusion / Summary

There you have it! This template gives you 7 strong, clear, and persuasive points. The main idea is to connect every other problem (corruption, poverty, bad roads, insecurity) directly back to a failure of leadership.

Disclaimer: Remember, this is a debate. The goal is to argue one side persuasively. In the real world, both leadership and followership are important for building a great nation. This article is simply a tool to help you succeed in your educational activity.

What do you think? Did I miss any major points? Drop your opinions in the comments section below!

Also, feel free to share this post with your coursemates or those in your debate team! Good luck!