By Milcah Tanimu

Senator Shehu Sani, former lawmaker and prominent social critic from Kaduna, emphasized on Monday that Nigeria’s current economic struggles are not a result of divine intervention.

In a statement shared via his social media handle, Sani underscored Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, highlighting that the country possesses assets that surpass those of many nations.

His comments come in the wake of reports detailing a chaotic scene at the Zonal Office of the Nigerian Customs Service in Yaba, Lagos, where a large crowd had gathered to purchase discounted 25kg bags of rice. Tragically, the rush resulted in a stampede, claiming several lives.

Sani argued that Nigeria’s challenges stem from human factors rather than divine decree. He pointed out the country’s impressive geographical features, including over 200 rivers and extensive arable land spanning 923,768 square kilometers. Additionally, he noted the abundance of capable individuals, both men, and women, within the nation.

“We have no earthquakes, hurricanes, or monsoons,” Sani remarked, highlighting Nigeria’s relatively stable natural environment. He emphasized that crops thriving in other countries like Thailand, Pakistan, or Brazil could flourish in Nigeria’s fertile soil.

In a poignant analogy, Sani alluded to the biblical narrative of manna, suggesting that Nigerians are waiting for miraculous intervention instead of harnessing the country’s inherent potential. He pointed out how even those who once depended on heavenly manna had managed to transform their desert lands into green pastures.

Ultimately, Sani’s message underscores the need for Nigeria to address its challenges through proactive human efforts rather than relying on divine intervention.