Ex-minister: Nigeria's real problem is indiscipline, not corruption
Former Minister of State for Power Goody Jedy-Agba declared that Nigeria's fundamental challenge is indiscipline, not corruption, speaking at his memoir launch in Abuja on Tuesday. He argued that lack of discipline among public officials leads to mismanagement of public resources, stating: "If you are disciplined enough to know you should not tamper with public funds, you will not tamper with them."
His remarks come as Nigeria ranks 142nd out of 182 countries in Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, scoring 26 out of 100—below the global average of 43. Jedy-Agba proposed electing highly disciplined leaders and urged Nigerians to stop glorifying unexplained wealth, saying "today we celebrate thieves and rogues." He emphasized scrutinizing sources of wealth and credited mentorship, particularly from Hassan Hadeja, for shaping his own discipline.
In his memoir "Grace Unspeakable," Jedy-Agba shares life lessons and leadership experiences, framing the book as guidance for youth. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, called it essential "moral direction" when Nigeria's "moral compass is neither here nor there."
Will you personally start questioning how people acquire their wealth, or demand disciplined leadership as a prerequisite for your vote?