I am Dr. Charles Apoki. Have you ever wondered why things don’t seem to go well in our countries, especially in Nigeria? Why can’t we organize and execute properly? These questions have troubled my mind deeply.
Recently, I traveled to Bonny Island, and the experience was enlightening. We began our journey from Port Harcourt, heading to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility. On the way, I noticed something striking: Port Harcourt was neat and organized—a commendable effort initiated by Governor Rotimi Amaechi and sustained by Governor Nyesom Wike. This shows Nigerians can create beautiful, organized cities.
At the LNG Jetty, the contrast was clear. The company’s area was clean, structured, and orderly, while the opposite side—a local market or jetty—was chaotic and disorganized. Upon entering the car park, cars were neatly parked in reverse, following clear rules. Luggage trolleys were available, and everything was done in a timely, systematic manner.
From electronic tickets to luggage weight limits, every detail was thoughtfully planned. The boarding passes were color-coded, with numbers clearly segmenting passengers for smooth boarding. Restrooms were spotless, equipped with tissue, hand dryers, and cleaning solutions. Even the urinals had humorous signs encouraging cleanliness. These small but significant details highlighted the power of orderliness.
When it was time to board, announcements were precise, and passengers were called in groups based on their boarding pass colors and numbers. There was no crowding, no shouting. I realized then that orderliness and organization are two critical ingredients for progress.
The Key Ingredients
Orderliness: This means maintaining neatness and avoiding chaos. It’s about ensuring everything is in its proper place and everyone adheres to rules. Order creates a foundation for efficiency and productivity.
Organization: Beyond orderliness, organization involves planning, strategy, and systems. It’s about creating structures that prevent disasters, save resources, and ensure smooth operations. For instance, calling passengers in sequences ensured there was no confusion during boarding.
Lessons from LNG’s Systems
Throughout the journey, the LNG facility’s systems showcased these two ingredients. From the regulated speeds of vehicles inside the compound to the strict adherence to safety protocols, everything was done to ensure efficiency and prevent accidents. Even the environment reflected this—wildlife was respected, and no one was allowed to harm living creatures within the premises.
The Bigger Picture
Sadly, this level of order and organization is often absent in many areas of Nigerian life. Our airports are noisy and disorganized; flights are delayed without proper planning. During festive seasons, when the demand for flights increases, there’s little foresight to manage the rush effectively. The result? Chaos and inefficiency.
This disorderliness reflects in our judicial system, educational institutions, and even among our political class. It’s as though we thrive in chaos. When Nigerians travel abroad, some transport this same disorder to other countries, creating a negative impression. Why do we behave this way? Is it cultural, or do some people benefit from the chaos?
Moving Forward
To progress as a nation and continent, we must embrace orderliness and organization. These principles apply not only to governments and businesses but also to our personal lives. Imagine the transformation if we prioritized these values in every aspect of our society.
Let’s engage in meaningful conversations about how to bring order to our nation. Share your thoughts in the comments, but please, no frivolous remarks. Together, we can chart a path to a more structured and productive future.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki, your Area Grandfather.
