By
Richard Agbonifo
As President and Founder of the Richard Agbonifo hand2hand Foundation; a Charity based in Germany and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria, I have been lately, preoccupied with various projects, out of my love for everything Nigerian; a country like no other in the world with diverse cultures, and no fewer than 300 ethnic groups.
Despite our differences, I also appreciate that we could co-exist in peace, while facing the tedious challenges of nationhood, and nation building.
However, in Nigeria and most other climes in Africa, we have cultivated and retained some primordial habits, which may seem harmless, but in truth they have heavily weighed us down and are holding us back from making progress and reaching our desired goals.
But why should we have to always associate ourselves with negative descriptions? Self respect begins with “SELF“ and to earn repect from others, we ought to first of all behave the way we want to be treated.The cultural stigma of being late, often referred to as “Africa Time,” is deeply ingrained in Nigeria’s societal norms and has persisted due to several factors like
Historical Context.
During the colonial era, indigenous peoples of Nigeria were often not involved in the planning and scheduling of activities, and this led to a sense of detachment from rigid time keeping, the British colonialists were known for.
The other factor is Social Flexibility, as a typical Nigerian society often prioritizes social interactions and relationships over strict adherence to time schedules. Social events can start and end at flexible times, reinforcing a relaxed attitude towards punctuality.
Traffic congestion, and poor infrastructure, especially in urban areas also contribute immensely to lateness in our towns and cities. Unpredictable travel times make it challenging to arrive on time, and this in turn, reinforces the acceptance of lateness as an excuse.
The low level of institutional accountability, or an often lack of strict enforcement of timekeeping regulations in both the public and private sectors are prevalent in our milieu. Meetings and appointments are frequently delayed without due apologies, and or significant consequences.
The cultural perception of time in many African societies, is a very fluid concept compared to the rigid traditions seen in Western societies.
Such wrong perceptions, will often lead to a more relaxed attitude toward being time conscious, and punctuality. The negative impacts
and related economic losses it brings are huge. Lateness can lead to inefficiencies and lost productivity; while delays in business meetings, missed deadlines, and unreliable services deter potential investors and have ripple negative consequences on the economy.
Consistent lateness undermines trust in professional and personal businesses and relationships. It can also lead to frustration and resentment among colleagues, clients, and partners; while harming reputations. Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage could suffer a further deep due to perceptions of partners that find our compatriots as unreliable, and inefficient time managers. This stigma can adversely affect our tourism, international business deals, and diplomatic relations.
Professionals who consistently arrive late, are most likely to miss out on career advancement opportunities. Employers are less likely to tolerate or promote individuals who are perceived as unreliable. Constantly running late and rushing to beat the time, can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental health. It also creates a chaotic and unproductive work environment.
*Solutions to Eradicate the Stigma Education and Awareness:*
The crusade dubbed, War Against Africa Time (WAAT) is our foundation’s first line intervention in raising awareness about the importance of punctuality. This we have done through educational campaigns, aimed at shifting existing cultural perceptions. Schools, media, and community leaders can play crucial roles in emphasizing the benefits of being on time. For example, a long time ago we had WAI (War Against Indiscipline) in Nigeria, where on the last Saturday of every month, the country stood still to clean up everywhere, homes, streets and schools.
This gave us a sense of collective purpose, and something positive to work together on. Role Models and Leaders in government, businesses, and community organizations should lead the way, with good examples on punctuality. When influential figures demonstrate punctuality, it sets a standard for others to follow.
The federal and state governments can make a greater impact, by investing in better infrastructure, particularly in transportation, to reduce the unpredictability of travel times. Efficient public transportation systems and improved road networks, can.also help people arrive on time for scheduled meetings.
Enforcing stricter policies regarding time management in workplaces and institutions can create a culture of punctuality. Penalties for lateness and incentives for punctuality can be effective. Offering training sessions on time management skills can help individuals plan their schedules better. This includes setting realistic timeframes for activities and understanding the value of punctuality.
Leveraging on technology to schedule and remind individuals of appointments and deadlines can improve time management. Digital calendars, alarms, and reminder apps are useful tools. This together with encouraging a cultural shift requires a collective effort. Celebrating punctuality and highlighting its benefits in everyday conversations can gradually change societal attitudes.
The cultural stigma of being late in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue rooted in historical, social, and infrastructural factors. However, its negative impacts on the economy, relationships, and personal well-being are significant. By addressing the causes through education, leadership, improved infrastructure, policy enforcement, training, and technology, Nigeria can foster a culture of punctuality and reliability. This shift will enhance productivity, build trust, and improve the nation’s global reputation, paving the way for sustainable growth and development.
Richard Agbonifo, Germany
