Nigeria and the Crisis of Performative Patriotism
By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi
Patriotism remains one of the most critical ingredients for nation building, yet it is arguably one of the least understood concepts in Nigeria’s national discourse. While expressions of patriotism are often visible during national celebrations, sporting events and political ceremonies, the deeper civic responsibilities that sustain national development are still weakly embedded within society.
In a country confronted by insecurity, economic hardship, political distrust and widening social divisions, patriotism can no longer be confined to emotional attachment to national symbols. Rather, it must evolve into a culture of responsible citizenship anchored on accountability, unity and collective national interest.
For many Nigerians, patriotism is commonly associated with singing the national anthem, pledging allegiance to the flag or celebrating Independence Day. Although these gestures carry symbolic value, they are insufficient on their own to drive national progress. Genuine patriotism is reflected in everyday actions that promote societal stability and strengthen public institutions.
A patriotic citizen obeys laws, protects public infrastructure, pays taxes honestly, participates responsibly in elections and rejects corruption irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations. Unfortunately, Nigeria continues to face a major disconnect between personal interests and collective national goals.
Across the country, corruption, electoral malpractice, vandalism of public property, cybercrime and tax evasion continue to undermine institutional credibility and weaken public trust. The consequences are evident in deteriorating infrastructure, underfunded public services and persistent governance failures despite enormous national resources.
For instance, billions of naira allocated for roads, healthcare and education are often lost through corruption and poor project execution. Roads collapse shortly after construction, hospitals remain under-equipped and public schools continue to struggle with inadequate facilities. These failures not only reflect governance deficiencies but also expose a broader culture where personal enrichment frequently supersedes public welfare.
Similarly, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta continue to inflict serious economic damage on the country. Nigeria has repeatedly lost substantial revenue due to illegal bunkering activities, thereby limiting government capacity to fund infrastructure and social development projects. Such acts amount to economic sabotage and demonstrate how weak patriotic values can undermine national progress.
Beyond economic challenges, political polarization has emerged as another major threat to nation building in Nigeria. Increasingly, political debates are shaped by ethnic, religious and partisan sentiments rather than issue-based engagement or shared national aspirations.
The aftermath of the 2023 general elections revealed the extent of political division within the country. Social media platforms became highly polarized spaces characterised by misinformation, hate speech and ethnic profiling. Rather than promoting democratic dialogue, many online narratives deepened hostility among citizens and heightened social tension.
This growing polarization carries serious implications for national security. It weakens public trust in institutions, reduces cooperation between communities and security agencies and creates opportunities for criminal and extremist groups to exploit existing divisions. In a country already battling insurgency, banditry, communal violence and separatist agitations, deepening mistrust poses additional risks to national cohesion.
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Civic responsibility therefore remains the practical foundation of patriotism. In stable democracies, citizens understand the direct relationship between individual responsibility and collective prosperity. Compliance with laws, active participation in governance and respect for public institutions are widely recognised as essential components of national development.
In Nigeria, however, civic responsibility is often undermined by both structural and behavioural factors. Weak institutions, inconsistent enforcement of laws and poor accountability reduce public confidence in governance. Citizens are less likely to act responsibly when they perceive injustice, impunity or selective application of the law.
At the same time, economic hardship, unemployment and social exclusion have contributed to increasing civic apathy, particularly among young people. Many youths feel disconnected from governance processes and uncertain about their future within the country. This frustration has, in some cases, contributed to cybercrime, drug abuse, irregular migration and susceptibility to political manipulation.
Despite these challenges, there are still encouraging examples of patriotism and civic engagement across Nigeria. During periods of insecurity and humanitarian crises, communities have mobilised support for displaced persons and vulnerable populations. In the North-East, the Civilian Joint Task Force emerged from local efforts to support security operations against insurgents. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several youth groups and civil society organisations coordinated relief efforts and public awareness campaigns across communities.
Leadership also plays a decisive role in shaping patriotic values. Citizens are more likely to demonstrate loyalty and civic responsibility when leaders exhibit integrity, competence and accountability. Conversely, corruption, abuse of office and extravagant lifestyles among public officials weaken public trust and undermine calls for patriotism.
Patriotism cannot thrive where citizens perceive a disconnect between the sacrifices demanded of them and the conduct of those in authority. Leaders across political, religious and traditional institutions must therefore recognise that patriotism is earned through fairness, justice and commitment to public service, not merely through speeches and slogans.
The media and digital platforms equally influence national consciousness. While social media has expanded civic participation and access to information, it has also amplified fake news, hate speech and divisive propaganda. During periods of insecurity and political tension, false reports and manipulated content have sometimes escalated fear and distrust among citizens.
Addressing this challenge requires stronger digital literacy and responsible media practices. Citizens must learn to verify information before sharing it, while media organisations should uphold professionalism, accuracy and ethical reporting standards. Government institutions must also improve strategic communication to counter misinformation and strengthen public confidence.
Furthermore, civic education must be revitalised across schools and communities to instil democratic values, citizenship responsibilities and national unity. Young Nigerians, who represent a significant proportion of the population, must be equipped with both economic opportunities and civic orientation capable of fostering national belonging.
Ultimately, patriotism must be repositioned as a practical civic duty rather than a ceremonial expression. Nation building cannot succeed where citizens consistently prioritise ethnic, religious or personal interests above national development.
Nigeria’s future stability and prosperity will depend largely on the ability of both leaders and citizens to embrace accountability, discipline, unity and collective responsibility. At this critical stage of the country’s development, patriotism must evolve from rhetoric into a national culture capable of strengthening democracy, enhancing security and promoting sustainable development.
Ya’u MUKHTAR Madobi is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication. He writes from Kano.
