Abuja, Nigeria’s gleaming capital, is a testament to the nation’s wealth and potential. With its broad avenues and modern infrastructure, it exudes an aura of prosperity. However, beneath this polished exterior lies a complex narrative of affluence, corruption, and the indomitable spirit of its residents.
According to YIAGA Africa, since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has hemorrhaged a staggering $582 billion to corruption. This figure, both alarming and disheartening, underscores the monumental challenges faced by the nation’s leadership, predominantly based in Abuja, in their relentless battle against graft.
Simon Gusah, a renowned urban planner, describes Abuja’s foundation as one built on the “let’s run and leave the problem behind” approach. Funded by the nation’s oil wealth, the city thrives on unchecked profits from lucrative government contracts, public servants’ questionable incomes, and an unyielding surge in real estate development.
However, the broader Nigerian economy’s downturn, marked by double-digit inflation and a weakening naira, has cast a shadow over Abuja. This economic malaise, attributed to the alleged mismanagement by the preceding Buhari administration, has dampened both domestic and foreign investments.
Yet, in this challenging economic landscape, Abuja’s real estate sector remains a beacon of growth. The city’s burgeoning population, lured by its economic opportunities and superior living standards, has spurred a construction boom. “There’s always a construction site in Abuja if you have the right connections,” says Gad Ogwojah, a young painter and tiler from the Dei Dei suburb. His words reflect the city’s growth and hint at the intricate web of connections and patronage that underpins Abuja’s economy.
However, this construction boom has a darker side. A significant number of these newly built houses remain unoccupied, their prices inflated beyond the reach of many. This phenomenon is a stark reminder of the city’s deep-rooted corruption. In 2021, Sampson Duna, director-general of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, made a compelling case for imposing heavy taxes on these vacant properties. He lamented, “Corruption’s proceeds are used to acquire these houses, which remain empty.”
Further shedding light on this issue, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) unveiled a shocking revelation in October 2021. They had recovered over 300 houses from just two civil servants in Abuja. Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman of ICPC, highlighted the real estate sector’s vulnerability to illicit financial flows and corruption, emphasizing the need for stringent reforms.
Yet, amidst this economic quagmire, Abuja’s vibrant garden culture offers a glimmer of hope. The city’s gardens, renowned for their grilled fish, are bustling hubs of activity. Jibrin Ibrahim, a professor of Political Science, praises these gardens for their unique atmosphere, which attracts both locals and international visitors alike.
Moreover, the city’s streets have eateries catering to diverse tastes. Entrepreneurs like Ijeoma, who runs a street food cafeteria in Wuse, exemplify the city’s resilient spirit. “I make an average of five hundred thousand naira profit a month,” she proudly shares.
However, as schools in Abuja prepare to reopen, parents are grappling with soaring fees. Some private institutions now charge up to N4 million naira, reflecting the city’s widening economic disparities.
In the face of these challenges, Abuja remains a city of contrasts – a beacon of hope for many, even as it grapples with its own shadows. The future of this vibrant city will be shaped by its ability to confront its challenges head-on and harness the undying spirit of its residents.
Source: Business Day
