By Maxwell Menkiti Ngene

In the 1980s, Nigeria embarked on a unique experiment in social reengineering. The War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign, launched by Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, aimed to tackle the pervasive problem of indiscipline in Nigerian society. Brigadier Idiagbon’s declaration, “Indiscipline is the bane of Nigerian society,” served as a rallying cry for the campaign. This public enlightenment campaign, spearheaded by the Nigerian media, sought to instill discipline and civic responsibility in the citizenry.

The WAI campaign yielded remarkable results, at least initially. Nigerians from all walks of life began to exhibit positive changes in behavior and attitude. They adopted more orderly and respectful conduct, such as waiting in queues at filling stations and bus stops. The campaign’s impact was palpable, and for a time, it seemed Nigeria was on the cusp of a new era of discipline and responsibility.

However, decades later, it is clear that the gains of the WAI campaign and subsequent rebranding efforts were short-lived. Indiscipline has once again become a pervasive problem in Nigerian society. The lack of discipline has led to a breakdown in social norms, erosion of values, and a decline in productivity. The youth are disproportionately affected, with many engaging in unproductive activities, such as internet fraud and spiritual scams.

One of the most egregious manifestations of indiscipline in Nigeria is the rascality of the elite. Those entrusted with public office have become perpetrators of monumental thievery. Corruption has become endemic, with public officials looting the treasury with impunity. This has diverted resources meant for development, leaving the majority of Nigerians to suffer.

The consequences of societal indiscipline are dire. Infrastructure is in disarray, education and healthcare are in crisis, and poverty and unemployment have become endemic. The lack of discipline among the elite has led to a breakdown in the rule of law, with impunity becoming the norm. This has created a culture of lawlessness, where individuals feel they can act with disregard for the law and social norms.

To address the issue of indiscipline, Nigeria must revisit the lessons of the WAI campaign. While its gains were short-lived, the campaign demonstrated that collective effort and a shared vision can bring about positive change. Today, Nigeria needs a renewed commitment to discipline and civic responsibility. This requires a collaborative effort from government, civil society, the media, and individuals to create a culture of discipline that endures.

The fight against indiscipline must start from the top to the bottom. The elite must serve as models. They should lead by example, demonstrating discipline, integrity, and accountability in their actions. The government must take decisive action against corruption, ensuring that those who loot the treasury are brought to justice. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s corruption-fighting agencies, must be empowered to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without hindrance. Only then can Nigeria hope to create a culture of discipline that will propel the country towards sustainable development.