In a country where institutions fail and corruption thrives, patriotism is no longer about waving a flag or singing the anthem; it is about survival. This is the reality in Lagos, where ordinary citizens have taken it upon themselves to provide the basic governance their leaders have refused to offer.

At the Super Bus Stop near Abule-Egba, motorists have long fallen victim to a system designed not to regulate but to exploit. The absence of proper road signs has become a cash cow for corrupt police officers, who pounce on unsuspecting drivers for taking the “wrong” route and demand outrageous fines, sometimes as high as ₦300,000. The government’s role? Nowhere to be found.

But Nigerians are resilient. In a remarkable act of community-driven governance, residents have now erected their own makeshift signs to warn motorists of these extortion traps.

With simple banners marked “Do Not Enter” and attributed to the Citizens Initiative for Collective Humanity (CICH), they are doing what the government should have done long ago; providing clear guidance to road users and shielding them from exploitation.

While this initiative is commendable, it exposes the deep rot in our governance. Federal roads remain neglected, critical infrastructure is left to decay, and law enforcement meant to serve and protect has become a predatory force. Instead of fixing the problem, officials have allowed a situation where the people must fend for themselves.

But this is the true patriotism of Nigerians. When the government turns its back, the people look out for each other. From community vigilantes filling the gap left by inadequate policing, to crowdfunding for medical emergencies in a failing healthcare system, and now, citizens installing their own road sign; Nigerians refuse to let their nation collapse under the weight of incompetence.

This is both an inspiring and tragic reality. It is inspiring because it shows the unbreakable spirit of Nigerians, but tragic because it should never have come to this. Patriotism should not mean fixing what elected officials are paid to do. It should not mean fighting every day just to survive a system designed to exploit.

Until our leaders wake up and do the jobs they swore an oath to perform, Nigerians will continue to govern themselves. And when the history of this country is written, it will not be the government’s efforts that stand out, but the everyday patriotism of its citizens