Raymond Delmut is a Nigerian diplomat, policy expert, Dongfang Scholar at Peking University, and writer of multiple publications.
Progress is frequently assessed through economic data, impressive skyscrapers, fast rail networks, and innovations in technology. However, behind each lasting national change lies something much deeper: solid institutions, forward-thinking leadership, organized administration, and a population aligned with a sustained national vision. These are the key takeaways from China's revolutionary past and its path of modernization—insights that are especially important for Nigeria as it aims to reinforce its systems and boost overall growth.
A significant portion of the worldwide discussion about China's ascent starts with the economic changes implemented in 1978. Although these adjustments certainly turned the nation into one of the top economies globally, they represent just a fraction of the full narrative. China's impressive accomplishments were supported by structural frameworks established many years before, during one of the toughest eras in its past. The lessons from the Chinese Soviet Republic, the Long March, and the revolutionary stronghold at Yan'an fostered a spirit of endurance, organizational control, tactical thinking, and leadership growth that eventually became key elements behind one of history's greatest modernization efforts.
Throughout the PKU Dongfang Scholars Programme at Peking University, researchers from various regions including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East explored this historical progression via seminars, discussions on policies, site inspections, and interactions with academic experts and governmental bodies. A key takeaway repeatedly surfaced: sustainable growth is seldom spontaneous. Rather, it is cultivated gradually through organizations that can endure shifts in politics, adjust to evolving circumstances, and uphold a stable national objective.
The evolution of China demonstrates that modernization can start well before signs of economic expansion appear. The governing body formed in Jiangxi in the early 1930s tested administrative methods even under severe limitations on resources.
It established frameworks for regional governance, public hygiene, revenue collection, schooling, farming oversight, and legal proceedings amid challenges from armed threats and governmental instability.
When situations compelled the revolutionary leaders to begin the Long March, these organizations were not left behind.
Rather, they remained intact, improved, and enhanced.
The Long March has evolved into an emblem representing more than just perseverance; it signifies organizational resilience. It highlighted the significance of maintaining leadership, safeguarding internal expertise, and modifying strategies according to evolving circumstances. Following this, the creation of the revolutionary hub in Yan'an turned the movement into a focal point for political instruction, leader cultivation, policy testing, and administrative advancement. Several concepts later linked with China's modernization—such as performance-oriented leadership growth, strategic long-range thinking, structural orderliness, and ongoing policy adaptation—were developed during this crucial phase.
Nigeria's distinct historical path stands out clearly. From the time it gained independence in 1960, the nation has shown significant perseverance even amid phases of political unrest, internal conflicts, shifts in constitutionality, and evolving developmental goals. Being Africa's most populated country and among its major economies, Nigeria boasts remarkable human potential, rich natural assets, vibrant entrepreneurship, and substantial regional power. However, these advantages haven't always led to lasting institutional efficiency or widespread economic progress.
Comparing Nigeria with China does not aim to advocate for copying institutions. These nations vary significantly in terms of their political setups, historical backgrounds, constitutional frameworks, and societal conditions. Instead, the benefit of such a comparison comes from recognizing applicable lessons that could enhance governance inside Nigeria's democracy and federal system.
One of the key takeaways highlights effective long-range strategic thinking. China's ongoing Five-Year Plans have ensured consistency through different eras of leadership, all while staying connected to larger national goals that span multiple decades. On the flip side, Nigeria has created various bold development strategies, but these often face challenges due to uneven execution, changing political focuses, and unstable institutions. Sustainability in progress is enhanced when countrywide aims stay steady despite shifts in government officials.
Another key takeaway is about leadership growth. China has consistently focused on training government officers via specialized organizations committed to ongoing learning, long-term strategy, and effective administration. Nigeria currently has well-regarded bodies like the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, the Foreign Service Academy, the National Defence College, and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria. The issue isn’t a lack of institutions; rather, it’s making sure that leadership advancement turns into an uninterrupted, performance-driven system deeply embedded within national management.
Similarly significant is the function of organizational discipline. The Chinese example illustrates that successful administration relies on responsibility, assessment of performance, moral public service, and efficient management cooperation. Nigeria has created key organizations to encourage openness and fight against graft, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission, and the Code of Conduct Bureau. Ongoing changes focused on enhancing collaboration, uniformity, and citizen trust will continue to be essential for developing a stronger government.
Infrastructure goes beyond being just an economic resource. China's funding of transportation systems, logistic routes, industrial zones, and digital structures has not solely aimed at economic development but has also enhanced national unity and government effectiveness. Similarly, Nigeria's ongoing efforts in building roads, railroads, ports, electricity supply, and digital links can foster economic progress alongside strengthening national solidarity.
One of the longest-lasting lessons highlights human resources. China's continuous focus on education, science, technology, engineering, research, and creativity has facilitated its shift from labor-based production to an intellectual-focused economic model. For Nigeria, the key strategic asset isn’t oil, natural gas, or ores, but rather its young people. Realizing this potential demands significant and ongoing support for learning, vocational training, scientific inquiry, business development, and technological advancement.
The process of China's modernization highlights the significance of having a clear national vision. During its growth phase, government bodies have generally stayed focused on common national goals. Although democracies typically allow for political rivalry and varied ideologies, progress does not necessarily have to be divided along party lines. In Nigeria, different political groups can reasonably hold distinct views on policies and leadership approaches; however, areas such as education, transportation, manufacturing, agricultural stability, medical care, innovation, and young people's development must continue to serve as lasting national concerns.
The wider importance of China's journey goes beyond economic factors. It shows that modernization essentially involves establishing strong institutions, developing efficient leadership, ensuring consistent policies, and focusing on human development. These concepts are not limited to any particular political system. They form fundamental elements for achieving effective governance.
In Nigeria, moving ahead requires more than merely imitating another nation's approach; instead, it calls for adjusting established governance practices according to its specific constitutional, democratic, and cultural conditions. The nation's variety, vibrant business spirit, global outreach, and young demographic offer significant potential for change. Central to this process is the ongoing dedication to reinforcing organizations, encouraging transparency, allocating resources towards people's growth, and upholding an enduring plan for nationwide progress.
The past shows that powerful countries are seldom established under one government alone. Instead, they develop gradually over many years with consistent leadership, understanding from institutions, and shared goals for the nation. The Chinese revolution demonstrates how perseverance, careful strategy, and strong organization can lead to significant progress. Nigeria has the people and assets needed to bring about similar development using its own democratic approach.
Nigeria's future will eventually rely less on the richness of its natural wealth and more on the robustness of its systems, the effectiveness of its leaders, and the commitment of its people to prioritize lasting national growth over immediate political gains. Consequently, the issue facing Nigeria goes beyond economics—it is fundamentally about institutions. Creating a state focused on development starts with establishing structures that can support continuous national advancement across many years.
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