Today, as I drive to pick up my daughter-in-law, Dr. Marella, from the hospital where she works, I’ve been reflecting on something crucial: the need for confidence in systems and structures in Africa.
When I first arrived in Romania, I was always nervous while driving. I had come from an environment where the rules of the road were unpredictable. In Nigeria, you constantly worry if someone will jump into the road or ignore traffic rules. But here, drivers stop at zebra crossings, even if there are no lights. Pedestrians step confidently onto the crossing, knowing that cars will stop for them. What is the difference? It’s simple—confidence in the system.
This got me thinking about Africa. What we lack is confidence in our systems. We need reforms that inspire trust in our police, judiciary, electoral processes, and healthcare. For instance, in Romania, though some citizens prefer seeking healthcare outside the country, the public sector still offers quality services, and there’s no charge because of insurance. The pressure on the system might be high due to doctor-patient ratios, but people trust it enough to use it.
Imagine if we had that kind of confidence in our systems back home—confidence in the police to protect us, in the judiciary to deliver justice, in our electoral processes to reflect the people’s will, and in our banks to safeguard our money. But, as things stand, we are often uncertain about outcomes. We pay insurance, yet worry whether it will cover us when we need it. We deposit money in banks, fearing they may collapse. We vote in elections, doubting whether our votes will count. Such uncertainty erodes national pride and commitment.
For example, voter turnout is often low because people don’t trust the process. We have to ask ourselves: why do our systems fail to command this trust? While driving, I observed a woman cross at a zebra crossing without hesitation. She trusted that the car would stop for her, just as we trusted that the rules would be followed. This kind of confidence builds a culture of order and respect.
It’s not that Romania is perfect. When I landed in Bucharest, the conveyor belt at the airport didn’t roll immediately, causing frustration. But the system eventually worked, and people still have faith in it. This level of confidence in everyday processes is what we need in Africa. It helps create a society where people can trust that things will function as they should.
Let’s take transportation as an example. There is a square in Addis Ababa with four lanes going in both directions. When I visited, my friend confidently walked across the lanes, and all the cars stopped for him. I, on the other hand, ran across the street like a Bushman, afraid that the cars wouldn’t stop. He laughed and said, “Don’t run—they will stop.” I jokingly warned him never to try that in Nigeria, as he might not leave with all his limbs intact. This highlights the difference between societies that have confidence in their systems and those that do not.
Even when it comes to theft and crime, the lack of confidence in systems plays a role. I once heard of someone who ordered an in-vitro fertilization kit worth millions of naira, only for thieves to steal the brain box of the car it was in. Such rampant theft is fueled by hunger, drug addiction, and a lack of reliable structures.
We must build systems that people can believe in. I remember when Peter Obi was contesting the elections, someone asked me if I was sure he would be given a fair chance. I naively believed that if he won, they would give it to him. But I underestimated the wickedness in the system. The rules were suddenly changed, and Abuja became a state. We all see the consequences of such actions now.
If Africa is to develop, we must build systems and structures that inspire confidence—systems that make people trust the process, trust the outcome, and believe in a brighter future. We need reforms that will make citizens feel secure in their own countries.
Remember, I have an online conference coming up on the 8th and 9th of November at 7:00 PM Nigerian time. The theme is Becoming a Person of Influence. To register, send a message to +234 802 121 9262.
Let’s build a future where we can all trust our systems. God bless you.
Dr. Charles Apoki
