Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns about the burden faced by businesses people in Nigeria compared to neighbouring African countries.
He also described Nigerian youths as hungry and angry.
“It costs $35,000 to move a container to Nigeria, it costs $4,000 in Ghana,” Obasanjo revealed in an interview with News Central, where he discussed Africa’s key challenges, leadership, and youth empowerment.
In a snippet of the interview to be fully aired later, Obasanjo warned about the growing frustration among the country’s youth.
“We are all sitting on a keg of gunpowder if we ignore our youths,” he said, pointing to the dangerous situation Nigeria faces. “They are frustrated, they are hungry, they are unemployed, and they are angry.”
He further questioned the competence of some Nigerian leaders, stating, “Leadership is not a thing that you pick on the road. What do you say of a Nigerian president who came to office without a plan?”
Obasanjo also addressed the deteriorating state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), remarking that it is “now in sheds,” and raised concerns about Nigeria’s role in responding to protests and regional threats.
On the topic of his tenure, Obasanjo addressed rumours about seeking a third term, confidently stating, “If I wanted a third term as president of Nigeria, I would have got it.”
The former president’s remarks come as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic and leadership challenges.
