Nigeria, my country, has for some time now,  become synonymous with rent-seeking, a not- so -noble phenomenon whereby individuals and groups prioritise exploiting existing resources and connections over creating wealth and adding value through innovation and productivity. This behavior has become so ingrained that it is no exaggeration to say rent-seeking is the very fabric of the country’s economic, and political life.
[ad]
I must quickly add that this is not traditional to us; it is a relatively recent way of life that has accentuated in the post-colonial time. The societal pervasiveness of corruption in general, and rent seeking in particular, makes challenging this ‘monster’ a daunting task. If Nigeria is to turn a more equitable and prosperous society however, it must confront and overcome rent- seeking.

Understanding rent-seeking
Rent-seeking manifests in various ways, including as opportunism, manipulation, deception, and self-seeking. It focuses on generating income through exploiting existing resources, networks, or situations, rather than creating additional wealth and value through innovation, productivity, or fair deal. In Nigeria, rent- seeking has become normalised; many individuals and groups justify their behavior as necessary to survive and succeed in a competitive environment.

Consequences of Rent-Seeking
Rent-seeking is a social bane that cannot but carry severe consequences for Nigeria. These include the stifling of innovation and entrepreneurship, inefficiency and stagnation, corruption and cronyism, inequality, and social injustice. What strategy can be employed to deal with rent-seeking? The menace of rent-seeking in Nigeria must be tackled with a multi-faceted approach. I offer here ten suggestions.

The first is education and awareness. Transparency and accountability must be encouraged and people educated about the harmful effects of rent-seeking on the one hand, and the benefits of a system driven by merit and hard, productive work on the other hand.

The second is institutional reforms. Nigerian authorities must strengthen institutions and commit to implementing policies that promote fair competition, innovation, and productivity. Political will is of absolute necessity to drive this.

Third, economic diversification must be actualised in order to reduce the dependence on oil revenue. It will also promote economic growth in various sectors while minimising opportunities for rent-seeking.

A fourth approach is to assiduously encourage entrepreneurship. Instead of relying on government connections or patronage, Nigeria must support innovative startups and small businesses that create new wealth and fresh value.

Fifth, the Media and the civil society groups need to be empowered and protected from needless, highhanded harassment to boldly speak up as well as act in the interest of good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Sixth is international cooperation. International organisations and countries need to collaborate to share best practices and implement global standards for transparency and governance.

Seventh, Nigeria must activate a cultural shift. This, anchored by an attitude change, should encourages such values as hard work, innovation, and meritocracy over ‘man-know-man’ connection and patronage.

The eight approached hereby suggested is to institutionalise a strong legal framework that prevents and punishes rent-seeking behavior if and where it occurs.
Ninth, whistleblowers must be assured through a secure and confidential reporting system, protection from retaliation.
[ad] 
Tenth and above all, leadership by example from the highest level of leadership across all facets of society will best serve to discourage rent-seeking.   As the ‘ogas on top’ demonstrate commitment to meritocracy and transparency, this positive change of attitude will trickle down to the rest in society. ‘Leaders’, says intellectual and author John Gardner, ‘have a significant role in creating the state of mind that is society.’

Nigerian leaders in every sector, but most importantly in the political space, must rise to the challenge of the trust the people repose in them to lead for the greatest good of the greatest number, as Jeremy Bentham would say.

The huge task to discourage rent-seeking in Nigeria calls for a sustained and multi-faceted effort of citizens – high and low-, organisations, and governments at all levels and their agencies.

By understanding the phenomenon and its insidious and generally harmful consequences on the one hand, and on the other, by firmly and consistently implementing appropriate strategies to deal with it.

Nigerians  at home and abroad  can gradually shift the norm in our country away from corruption and opportunism, toward  a more equitable and prosperous society.
Megbolugbe PhD, FRICS is Senior Advisor at GIVA International and retired Professor, Johns Hopkins University.
[ad]