Why I wrote ‘The Arc of the Possible’

I believe that with the right motivation, humans can achieve more than modest feats, regardless of challenges, including in the justifiably much maligned Nigerian public sector. I will feature in and out of this book, but it is not my biography, and it is not meant to be a corny ‘perspire to aspire’ motivational exercise. It is a memoir of my stint in public service in Nigeria.

For five years until 18th February 2021, I served as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). It was an opportunity for me to test some of my assumptions and ideas about leadership and governance, an opportunity to attempt to channel righteous anger against the system into positive energy, and an opportunity to learn. And I got to learn quite a bit more about myself, about people, about the system, about Nigeria.

Recounted in the book is the story of my stewardship in NEITI, in part documentation, reflection, and commentary. It is a story of not just what was achieved in those five years but also of the motivations behind them and the mode of execution, the challenges and sometimes the regrets. But most importantly, a story of possibilities.

I almost did not write this book for three reasons. One, I did not feel I had enough experience or materials yet to fill a book. Two, there are certain issues that I do not want to write about, at least not yet. And three, I felt I needed more time to allow the materials to marinate. On deeper reflection, and after writing an article on how I tried to lead through personal example during my tour of duty, I changed my mind. I concluded that such a book is needed.

We routinely urge Nigerians, especially the younger ones and those with professional backgrounds, to get involved in politics and governance. I am one of those who believe that the business of politics and governance is too important to be left only to career politicians and civil servants. So, I continue to join in making that call, especially because our system is in dire need of fresh blood and even fresher ideas.

But we need to guide those who eventually heed the call. They need to learn from the bittersweet experience of those who have taken the paths ahead of them. Beyond what is taught in schools or can be read about other countries, we need books that speak to our peculiar context. I reckon that we do not have enough of such books. I did not have many of such books to draw from.

So, despite my initial hesitation, I decided to document my time at the helm of a government agency in Nigeria. What I have written is not a tell-all story. Rather, what I’ve tried to do here is to offer a glimpse into public service in Nigeria. Drawing from my admittedly limited experience, I have also attempted to show what is possible and how, while upholding important values and staying alert to possible landmines.

A part of my story in the book is about reinvention. It is personal yet transferable, even for those in different circumstances. It shows what is possible when the right kind of motivation meets deliberate effort. Whatever our level of endowments, we can all do better. And our country can do much, much better.

However, it is not going to happen by itself. And we do not need people with extraordinary abilities or resolve to move the needle on governance in Nigeria. But we must be ready to put in the work at the technical and the normative levels. A lot of work. It is possible. Yes, it is.

Being an edited excerpt from Waziri Adio’s memoir, ‘The Arc of the Possible,’ which is being presented today in Abuja.